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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. Chamfer House in Victoria, Australia by Mihaly Slocombe ArchitectsAugust 7th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Mihaly Slocombe Architects Chamfer House revisits a post and beam dwelling designed in 1977 by Kevin Borland, the Hildebrand House. It sits within an established garden on Oliver’s Hill, a crucible of late modernism overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Our clients approached us soon after moving in. They wanted to protect the timber ceilings, exposed Oregon structure and fingerjointed window frames they loved, while also updating the house to suit their young family.  Back garden, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille
 Back garden, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille Our intervention assumed a strategy of sensitive infiltration. We touched every room, some more heavily than others, yet retained the house’s core personality: the romantic rationalism that characterised much of Borland’s later work. We unkinked the plan, pulled back a touch on the 1970s psychedelics, and reconfigured the living and sleeping areas to better connect with the garden.  Master bedroom deck, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Swimming pool courtyard, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille In his monograph on Borland, Doug Evans notes that his “mature domestic style combines absolute structural rationality with materials and detailing of great romantic warmth and informality.” We sought to build on this juxtaposition, layering a rational spatial sequence with an exploded interpretation of the chamfer. A device used regularly by Borland and on Hildebrand House only in plan, we developed it into a three dimensional form that operates from the macro scale to the micro. The faceted balcony soffit framing the view from the master bedroom is one example, as are the repetitive triangular motifs in our customised joinery hardware.  Swimming pool deck, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Context, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille Chamfer House adheres strictly to the 5 x 5m grid of the original. The trimming and extending of corners deliberately interrupt the grid, but are very much a part of its pattern. Family life radiates from the kitchen, which straddles a full grid segment at the heart of the house. Our clients’ children have made the second living room their own, occupying a triangular bookend every afternoon for homework before LEGO and play.  Living Room, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Living Room, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille These moments are an extension of the deep humanity of Borland’s work: the plan is aligned to the view, the sun and the garden; rooms are sized to suit the dimensions of living; triangular pockets provide looseness and intimacy.  Entry and stair, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Kitchen, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille Client testimonial: Hiring Mihaly Slocombe has exceeded our expectations in regards to the design and delivery of our home. We had never used an architect before and so initially were a little hesitant however it turned out to be a great decision. Warwick and Erica were true professionals; their attention to detail and focus on our initial brief has resulted in an amazing home which effortlessly links the old with the new. We have only been back in our house for just over a week but already we can see the difference in the way we use the space and we interact as a family. We are thrilled with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mihaly Slocombe.  Study, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Lounge, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Study nook, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Master bedroom, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  En suite, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Swimming pool, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille  Evening, Image Courtesy © Andrew Latreille
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Categories: House, Renovation, Residential |
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