This project, designed by Utz-Sanby Architects, saved and modernized a heritage listed arts and crafts beach house, adding a large amount of contemporary accommodation, entertainment areas, and pool.
The new additions are subservient to the old and to a large extent, maintain the garden setting of the original home.
Utz-Sanby Architects’ clients wanted a lot more accommodation than the original beach house could offer.
They also wanted to modernize the functionality of the existing house, with open-plan living, large kitchen, and outdoor entertaining.
The brief required a pool with separate living area for teenagers and friends as well as additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
The circulation was carefully considered and detailed to be continuous on the western side of the house and was key to providing the connection of all the levels and the old to the new.
The inspiration for the Utz-Sanby Architects design was largely to do with the green roof and the need to provide a garden in front of the existing house.
The detailing of this was deliberately minimal and contemporary so as not to compete with the existing house.
However it is generous and open and affords maximum access to the pool terrace, views to the beach, and cross ventilation.
Utz-Sanby Architects’ idea was for the garden to take over and for the architecture to disappear.
From the water, this level of the house is almost invisible.
The project’s main challenge was working with the heritage-listed house in a way that did not compromise the integrity of the original or compromise the functionality of the new additions.
The siting of the original toward the back of the block, with a steep cliff at the rear, forced the Utz-Sanby Architects team to use the front of the block for new additions.
The challenge was how to make these subservient.
Utz-Sanby Architects felt that by digging into the site and using a green roof over the new accommodation they could maintain the garden setting at the front of the sandstone and timber cottage.
Project Details
Project size – 384 m2
Site size – 1,185 m2
Project Budget – $5,000,000
Completion date – 2015
Building levels – 4
Project Team
Architecture
Architecture
Utz-Sanby Architects
Utz-Sanby Architects has a broad range of experience and is interested in all types of architectural projects, including one-off houses, alterations and additions, heritage listed buildings, commercial premises, corporate fit-outs, multi-residential developments and re-use.
Engineering
Birzulis Associates
The firm of Birzulis Associates Pty Ltd Consulting Engineers was established in April 1989.
With over 100 years of combined engineering experience behind them, the Directors of the company Bruno Fimmano and Michael Grogan, Associate Director Paul Grogan and Consultant Aldis Birzulis, continue to gain substantial commissions, further entrenching their reputations as sound, practical engineers.
Aluminium Doors and Windows
Aluminium And Glass Constructions
Aluminium and Glass Constructions is a family owned and operated company founded in 1994.
www.aluminiumandglassconstructions.com.au
Photography
Marian Riabic
Marian is a Sydney-based architectural and drone photographer.
Connect with Marian on LinkedIn
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Utz-Sanby Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Image © 2020 Marian Riabic. All Rights Reserved.
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