Binary House in Australia by Space Group of Architects Ltd

Article source: Space Group of Architects Ltd

This project lies within a stepped terrace of purpose built houses on Finnis Street. No 101 is one of those properties that are set back from the street and from the adjacent house. The existing terrace is of a very basic character, in a dull context of no significant architectural value. Our task was a complete refurbishment including a two-storey front and a single-storey rear extension to a modernistic aesthetic.

The-rear-extension, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

• Architects: Space Group of Architects Ltd
• Project: Binary House
• Location: Australia
• Photography: Paul Riddle

The-site-in-context, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Taking advantage of the existing set back, the new front volume occupies the corner where the two existing houses meet. The new mass is, on first sight, seemingly an extrusion of the existing building. However, a separating ‘glass ribbon’, a subtle difference in the surface quality of the colour matched brickwork and roof tiles and dynamically protruding bricks to the side elevation achieve a subtle distinction.

The-two-storey-front-extension, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Side-elevation-of-the-new-entrance, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The glazed ribbon relocates the entrance door and provides a dramatic window and skylight to a bedroom on the first floor replacing a dysfunctional, small box room. The protruding bricks enable a wonderful play of shadows throughout the day making the new entrance route more exciting. Despite small in floor area, this unusual extension has received a tremendous, positive feedback from the public passing by the building according to our clients. Once you enter a new utility/bathroom occupies the extension on the ground floor whilst the first floor unlocks a fabulous panoramic view.

Glazing-detail, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Brick-detail, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The ground floor is ‘unlocked’ with the demolition of an old conservatory, a central and the rear wall and a new extension towards the garden. The kitchen, dining and living area are a large open space that extends to the garden with access through two sets of folding doors. All storage, kitchen cabinets, a floating TV shelf and desk are neatly organized to the sidewalls creating two clean alignments running through the house and emphasize the open plan layout.

The-rear-extension, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Open-floor-plan-with-brass-louvred-glass-roof-above, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The new rear elevation contains a central fixed glazed panel that is seemingly wrapping up and over to become a skylight. Here a special mirco-louvred brass mesh has been laminated into the glass as a means of solar gain control, enabling views whilst reflecting sunlight. The nature of this dense mesh creates very interesting halo effects when hit by light giving it an animated and yet very technological feel.

Open-floor-plan-with-brass-louvred-glass-roof-above, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Staircase-detail, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The staircase and first floor hallway gains new life with the introduction of two skylights and a floor to ceiling wooden slatted balustrade screen. This brightens up the area and creates a dynamic play of shadows throughout the day.

The interior has deliberate Scandinavian warmth to it thanks to an abundance of whites combined with soft tones of brown and a pale Ash wooden floor throughout. As homage to the louvred brass screen, brushed brass reappears in a number of details throughout.

The-bedroom-of-the-1st-floor, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Master-bedroom, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The kitchen/dining area contains a movable table made of recycled glass. The chosen colours of the terrazzo-like glass granulate is in keeping with the context.

The bathrooms are finished in marble, a petroleum mosaic, resin stone sanitary ware, stainless steel brassware, mirrored surfaces and caustic floor tiles. A specially stained glass door provides an additional feature to the bathroom entrance. The pattern is a stylized detail of the front extension. The very same pattern was also utilized to provide some bespoke cushions to complete the design.

The-kitchen, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Close-up-of-the-kitchen-material-palette, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

Micro-louvre-mesh-close-up, Image Courtesy © Space Group of Architects Ltd

1st-floor-bathroom, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

1st-floor-bathroom, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

The-new-bathroomutility-room, Image Courtesy © Paul Riddle

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Tags: Australia

Categories: House, Residential, Terrace

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