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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Innercity Downsize House in Victoria, Australia by STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTSMay 6th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS Inner City Downsize house is a neatly resolved design solution to a number of key challenges. Our role was to create a family home on a tight inner-city site. Our approach was to maximize the use of the site to create an enlarged floor plan and enriched spatial complexity. Passive design principles inform the project throughout.  Street front. Identity retained, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS
 Brick fireplace makes use of existing bricks onsite and as a wall feature for creeper plants in the courtyard, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS Our intention was to ensure the new building works on this double fronted home were hidden from the street scape. Our building is introverted. It offers acoustic privacy from the increasingly busy thoroughfare out front and a sense of enclosure through its built form. The scheme utilizes a well-proportioned internal courtyard as a central focal point, from which various sight-lines extend through to indoor spaces.  Internal courtyard, as a central focal point living spaces and study, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS Our practice is dedicated to design resolutions that create compact spaces without compromising functionality. We believe this project achieves a crucial balance – a harmony – of physical space, light and proportions. Every space is only as big as it needs to be. The central feature courtyard mediates the existing dwelling with the new addition. We engaged a landscape architect to assist with the design of this crucial juncture. The construction cost is below the average of $3200 per square metre.  Bedroom fitted with timber veneer joinery, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS Inner City Downsize is designed to passive solar principles. Clerestory double glazed windows over the new living areas draw in northern light through winter. A brick freestanding fireplace makes use of existing bricks onsite. Insulation is high. Eaves and a retractable awning over the courtyard shut out summer glare. High set operable windows evacuate heat.  Study room. Improved light balance and access to courtyard, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS We believe our design response for this project was unexpected; the obvious solution would have involved an addition overlooking a lineal garden. Instead, our design folds the house in on itself, creating a cocoon-like retreat our clients love. This home has a strong identity which is being demonstrated through strong social media appeal.  Entry to living area. Bright surfaces along the room length and back wall lit via clerestory windows, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Entry to living area. Bright surfaces along the room length and back wall lit via clerestory windows, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Kitchen. Floor finishes blending the boundaries between outdoor and indoor spaces, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Clerestory windows lighting the space. Joinery elements defining the way the room is used by creating non-obstructed views with plain surfaces at eye level, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Living room with fireplace from recycled bricks as a feature.Lower ceiling at seating area, higher ceiling at doors area.Balanced natural light throughout, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Finishes creating depth, thermal mass and warmth in the living spaces, Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS  Image Courtesy © STEFFEN WELSCH ARCHITECTS
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