lahznimmo architects were engaged by RMS in 2016 to provide lead consultancy services for the redevelopment of the Elizabeth Bay Marina. The existing facility was is in a deteriorated condition and in need of replacement. In order to meet continued operational requirements, the new facility was to be designed and constructed on a tight project time line.
Set at the edge of Beare Park, the existing building footprint and height set up the immediate expectation for the scale for the new development, particularly from the neighbouring residential community. Any increase in the building form, in particular width and height, would affect views from Beare Park and the residential developments to the south. The modest approach to form is then in keeping with the scale and setting of Beare Park, with the residential buildings the dominant backdrop; overlooking the park and marina, to the harbour beyond.
The Nest is a family home tucked away on a large bush block offering an acreage lifestyle within inner‐city Brisbane. Sitting on 4000m2 of land, the house was designed to heavily leverage the garden and north‐east aspect. Designed as an essentially single story, transparent pavilion engaging with the north‐east garden, the house uses the tennis court and lower level garaging to adjust the site to suite this agenda. A house of robust, tactile materials, this home was the second we had done for these clients, affording the project a rare opportunity to push the envelope.
The V House design employs a simple ‘courtyard home’ concept, with the house embracing the irregularshaped site boundaries to leverage the north‐east orientation to the courtyard and connect to the water’s edge on the south (the ‘V’ stemming from the resultant plan form).
The planning creates an entry sequence starting at the street and establishing a transparent spine to the primary living spaces which hug the southern edge of the property. This decision is driven by the desire to create a transparent living pavilion that engages directly with the water’s edge while simultaneously embracing the north‐eastern pool and courtyard area. A predominant building form is, in turn, created on the first floor, where the private bedrooms and a snooker / games room enjoy a landscaped roof‐top terrace on the northern edge accessible from the courtyard below via a sculptural steel spiral stair.
Sorrel is a progressive extension and alteration to a small cottage on a sloping site in Paddington. The project explores the juxtaposition between historical context and contemporary architecture within a broader subtropical paradigm. In a somewhat controversial decision, the call was made to “leave well enough alone” and make a clear distinction between the small, original cottage and the new work, keeping their respective personalities distinct. The materials used are in stark contrast to the remnant cottage with a dominate use of concrete offering a deliberate counterpoint to the vernacular.
A spectacular coastal site called for a complementary beach house to integrate with the landscape and take advantage of ocean, light and views: striking the perfect balance between prospect and refuge.
Located on Central Queensland's 'Discovery Coast', Springs Beach House harnesses the incredible views of the Coral Sea and across the cresting waves towards the headland at Seventeen Seventy, the site where Captain James Cook first landed in Queensland in 1770. The site is a bushy escarpment, falling dramatically towards the beach and view to the north.
The Mosman House is a ‘Brazilian Modern’ inspired home perched on Sydney Harbour overlooking Taylor’s Bay. The house mediates between grounded courtyard living on the north and a dramatically cantilevered edge that addresses the enviable water views to the south. A textured and honest palette of concrete, stone, timber and steel creates a timeless and robust backdrop to the interiors, exquisitely executed by Justine Hugh‐Jones, as well as the landscape, masterfully curated by William Dangar. The architecture juxtaposes ideas of solidity and intimacy, with lightness and extroversion, all beautifully crafted by the hand of County Constructions for our generous and supportive clients.
For the past 47 years, the TL Robertson Library at Curtin University in Perth, Aus-tralia has stood as an iconic brutalist structure that welcomes two million visits annually by students, faculty and the greater Perth community. Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, together with Australia-based Hames Sharley, is leading the redevelopment of the library that will modernise the building, making it more than just a storehouse of books.
The library, built in 1972, was originally designed with little natural daylight in order to protect the thousands of books and other physical materials in its collection. Schmidt Hammer Lassen aims to create a “living library” by opening up new path-ways for visual and physical connectivity throughout the building site, while bringing natural light into the space. The new open, light-filled scheme will support knowledge sharing and connection, and ensure the library meets the needs of future users.
Sitting peacefully in an open field, this off‐the‐grid sustainable house captures the views without compromising on environmental performance.
Located at Franklinford in Victoria’s Central Highlands, the four‐bedroom home is shared between two families, providing a gathering place for the extended family and a place to relax and relish the joys of rural life.
Starting life as a small workers cottage on a sloping site at Paddington, Brisbane – this home was in desperate need of some TLC. Our clients wanted to take the big step of moving closer to the city after spending many years in the suburbs. Their brief was to create a home that included spaces for themselves and their older children, but also to create a connection between the home and the outdoors with space for entertaining.
Step out of your caravan into the shade and fresh air, protected by a canvas annexe which frames a view of the lush landscape beyond. This experience was the inspiration behind BENT Annexe, an addition for a delightful family of four and their two adorable Dachshunds. Because every day should feel like a breath of fresh air, surrounded by nature.
BENT Annexe adds additional living space to a 1960s home with a lot of charm, while also reconnecting it to the garden. In contrast to the heaviness and introspective nature of the original home, this new, light-weight and light-filled Annexe is open and outward-looking, feeling more like a sheltered place in the garden that a traditional living space.