The Knocklofty extension, designed by Preston Lane Architects, transformed a 1980s red brick veneer home into a modern, warehouse-inspired family home.
The house sits on a steep site overlooking West Hobart and the River Derwent beyond.
The clients desired a warehouse loft inspired home – focusing on voids, volume, contrast, and raw materials.
To achieve this, the roof of the existing home was removed, internal walls to the living spaces demolished, and another level added.
The clients wanted a parent’s lofty retreat to overlook the main living spaces and capture the spectacular view.
From here, the parents have a study/office, extensive bookshelf, and daybed in the sun to read.
These alterations enabled social interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, but also between the living spaces and parents’ loft above.
The clients commissioned local artist ‘Jamin’ to paint a contemporary street style artwork in the void which becomes a part of the building rather than an art piece on the wall.
One of the key challenges of this project was the steep site which restricted connection between the living space and the garden.
Preston Lane Architects’ design responded to this by creating an outdoor room that is a sheltered extension of the living area that can be opened up on warm days.
This space responds to the ever-changing climate in Hobart and has large sliding doors that enable the house to open up completely onto a deck.
The existing concrete slab was revealed and polished.
Tucked away, the kitchen is black and recessive, allowing the void over the dining space to be the focal point of the house.
A simple, black fireplace rests upon a concrete plinth and all the steel work is painted black – contrasting the white walls and ceilings.
Simple mild steel balustrades are recessive and serve a practical function but do not impede the view due to their thin vertical design.
The clients invited a restrained colour palette so that the view and their furnishings, artwork, and indoor plants could be the heroes.
The open plan living space captures the view and sun throughout the day. Implementing volume in the space draws in light and is a welcomed departure from the low ceiling, internalised existing spaces.
Project Details
Project size – 230 m2
Completion date – 2019
Building levels – 2
Project Team
Architecture
Preston Lane Architects
Preston Lane Architects is an award winning architectural practice focused on providing innovative and successful design solutions that are responsive to both our client’s needs and the environment.
Structural Engineering
Gandy and Roberts
Gandy and Roberts specialises in providing structural, civil, and hydraulic engineering, as well as BIM consulting services for building projects.
Construction
Building Edge
Building Edge, led by Simon Chew, is a building company based in Sandford, Tasmania. They specialise in building new and renovating existing homes.
Photography
Adam Gibson
Adam combines careful composition with light-footed spontaneity to uncover the human truth. With an eye for dramatic tension, his work reflects a life spent roaming within and beyond the wild Tasmanian landscape, responding to diverse creative briefs. He instinctively turns the abstract into the iconic. Making rare moments accessible to a new audience.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 Preston Lane Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Adam Gibson. All Rights Reserved.
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