ArchShowcase 
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. Kensington Palace in Victoria, Australia by Nic Owen ArchitectsNovember 9th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Nic Owen Architects A renovation and extension to the rear of a Victorian cottage in Kensington, Victoria Australia. ■ The owner, a single professional loved her charming 2 bedroom cottage but found the spaces dark, tired and basically in need of repair. ■ A neighbouring 2 storey extension compromised her privacy to the rear living spaces and the backyard, effectively reducing the usability of the property. ■ A small 1970’s sun-room extension was removed and replaced with a black steel and glass small extension. Large picture frame windows supply light and outlook to the existing structure.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis
 Image Courtesy © Christine Francis ■ A new timber deck extends the living space and wraps up over the boundary fence to create a unique privacy screen. ■ This folding / wrapping theme is continued inside with joinery bench-tops rising vertically in the new kitchen, bathroom and laundry. ■ A landscaped rear backyard oasis featuring native Western Australian vegetation provides a truly private relaxing space for the owner to enjoy and connect with her Perth routes. ■ Whilst the total footprint of the house has actually been reduced the owner now titles her dwelling ‘Kensington Palace’ a reference to the perceived abundance of space and light along with the elevated standard of amenities.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis STOREY LINES Achieving elegance via modesty With thoughtful design and a rigorous review of the owner’s requirements, a great build need not be large, costly and excessive to achieve an elegant fitting outcome. By challenging and identifying the ‘wants’ from the ‘needs’ a better understanding can be realised and lead to a more focussed and cost effective outcome.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis A larger space was not required but a better use of space, privacy and a connection to the outdoors was important. The enovation and extension works replace a larger but inefficient building with a smaller but smarter space. Filled with natural light, great access to the landscaped garden and the abundance of borrowed views from neighbouring vegetation this new extension adds modern life to a tired Victorian cottage Audience: home owners, home builders, architects & designers  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis KEY FEATURES ■ Privacy from the 2 storey neighbour achieved with a unique vertical extension of the timber deck wrapping up and over the boundary fence line.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis ARCHITECTS STATEMENT ■ My aim for this project was to create a modern extension which addresses the client’s requirements, of updated amenities and privacy whilst challenging the excessive nature of a typical build. ■ The project was a great opportunity to explore the notion of constraint, restricted size, texture and material to create an enticing, relaxing private space. With spaces working smarter I enjoyed challenging the idea of excess.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis ARCHITECT PROFILE Nic Owen Architects are a young design focused architectural team located in the heart of Carlton, Victoria. The team are committed to creating architecture that is a joy to inhabit through the treatment of space, form, materials and light. The practice specialises in residential architecture, which responds to each individual site and environment, creating unique and elegant forms that contribute to the wider community and make a difference to our visual landscape.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis Bio: Nic Owen is an architect with 15 years experience in residential architecture. Much of his experience has been in the remodelling, renovating and extending inner city period homes and terraces. He has a particular interest in small, compact, well utilised spaces. Nic runs Nic Owen Architects, a small award winning architectural practice situated in inner city, Carlton.  Image Courtesy © Christine Francis  Image Courtesy © Nic Owen Architects  Image Courtesy © Nic Owen Architects
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Categories: Cottage, Extention, Renovation, Residential |
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