James Design Studio designed a new house in Sydney’s Upper North Shore using vernacular forms and gables defined by differing materials.
They inserted a a link in the middle giving a glimpse of what lies beyond while providing a framework for privacy.
The plan wraps around landscaped courtyards connecting internal spaces that engage with the outdoors.
James Design Studio’s clients were of an age where their adult children had left home.
So they now required a house that would be inviting for visiting family and guests.
They wanted a place where grandchildren could stay and flourish under supervision.
The environment was to be considered and a design was to be formulated that would create a sanctuary within a busy Sydney setting.
This was achieved through the planning principles as mentioned above.
The communal areas all face the swimming pool and the courtyards provide for various activities.
Located in a leafy suburban area surrounded by simple post-war cottages, the James Design Studio team found it important to design a contemporary house which did not stand out obnoxiously among its more traditional neighbours.
From this, the concept was developed which lead the building’s form.
The shape of the design was born from the concept of creating a simple suburban gable form, split down the middle and divided in two.
These two separate forms were to be joined with a single-storey glazed walkway.
From the street, onlookers are able to glimpse the more contemporary forms through this walkway.
The contrasting textural palette of the house’s exterior was fundamental to the success of the design.
The main finishes are painted brick, raw timber, and glass.
The brickwork reflects the surrounding suburban homes which are primarily face brick in appearance.
The raw timber finish reflects the tall gums which predominate, giving the neighbourhood its unique character.
Located on a long, skinny lot, the James Design Studio team used the opportunity to take advantage of the site’s north-north westerly orientation.
The layout, and footprint of the house were born from passive design principles.
The main living areas were to face this orientation with large amounts of glazing inviting the desirable northern winter sun to enter.
Carefully calculated overhanging awning roofs to ground and first floor windows were designed to block out any undesirable, summer sun.
Small blade walls were to surround these glazed openings and block the western sun in the summer months.
In addition to the passive design considerations, photovoltaic panels and rainwater tanks were installed out of sight, sized to meet the client’s everyday requirements.
Through glazed elements, at ground floor, the internal spaces give out onto the long north facing deck, which overlooks the pool, and to courtyards and terraces providing a strong connection to the garden.
This connection to garden and greenery is important as it fits the belief that such a link to natural elements create a feeling of tranquility, a stark contrast to the fast pace of Sydney life.
This concept has been fundamental to the success of the design and has materialised in three private courtyards, additional to the surrounding garden.
Key Products Used
To the street, the building mostly consists of two main materials – silver top ash exposed timber and painted brickwork.
Brick ‘seconds’ where used to get the imperfect look which the architect desired.
GluLam timber posts and beams were used as exposed structural elements and at the feature window, which faced the street.
ArcPanel composite roofing was used for the awning roof to the rear of the property.
This composite roofing was key to the success of this space, as it was able to sit comfortably over the detailed Glulam timber elements (without the need for bulky structural timber rafters which are usually required to support such a roof).
All doors and winders were supplied by K and K Shopfitters.
Project Details
Project Size – 280 m2
Site Area – 870 m2
Completion Date – 2018
Building Levels – 2
Project Team
Architecture
James Design Studio
James Design Studio is a team of architects based in Sydney Australia.
They specialise in residential projects of high quality finish and detail, sensitive to context and brief, and encompassing a variety of architectural design approaches from heritage restoration to innovative contemporary design.
Structural Engineering
D’ambrosio Consulting
D’Ambrosio Consulting is a Consulting Structural Engineering company providing services to architects, builders, developers, building managers, and owners.
www.dambrosioconsulting.com.au
Landscape Design
Peter Fudge Gardens
Peter Fudge has been designing gardens for 30 years. His strong passion for simple lines that complement the surrounding landscape and architecture are reflected in his inspired designs.
These are drawn from humble beginnings using the timeless elements of stone, glass, timber and water.
When combined holistically, these elements create powerful and graceful outdoor spaces.
Construction
Kearey Construction
The directors, Graham Harcombe and James Kearey have a combined total of more than 70 years’ experience in the building industry and have worked on residential, commercial and industrial projects.
In recent years the company focus has been on a combination of individually designed architectural homes, multi-unit townhouse developments and heritage restorations, often on steep and difficult sites.
Pool
Premier Pools
Premier Pools has designed and constructed over 6,000 pools in 35 years.
Some of Australia’s largest and best known commercial and residential builders choose Premier Pools to design and construct their pools.
Photography
Simon Whitbread
Simon in a Sydney-based commercial photographer specialising in architecture and interiors.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2021 James Design Studio. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Simon Whitbread. All Rights Reserved.
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