Lagoon House was substantially renovated and a first floor addition made to an existing brick bungalow in a unique location.
Designed by Utz-Sanby Architects, this project transformed the existing house to create a beautiful, open, and well-planned family home that makes the most of the views, local climate, and site.
The new addition is a sustainable solution to complex planning issues and a large brief.
The clients’ brief was for a large home to accommodate a family of six now and into the future.
They wanted to have as much natural light as possible, warm earthy materials with extensive use of timber and a relaxed informal feel.
Views were to be advantaged, aspect and natural assets of the site leveraged, ample storage provided, with built-in joinery and details that would help the smooth functioning of a hectic family life.
The site is a unique corner block adjoining a public reserve with views to the lagoon on two sides.
By retaining the existing house, Utz-Sanby Architects were able to take advantage of the position of the house on the site, in particular the proximity to the water and the existing set-backs – which made alterations and additions the only option.
The inspiration for the design came from the idea of using a new façade or screen to redefine the edges of the existing home and give it a smooth and cohesive form.
Existing brick walls were rendered and the screen, which is largely self-supporting, formed a new façade to the building following the angles and curve of the site boundaries.
Utz-Sanby Architects investigated using a number of different materials for the external screen and settled on large recycled Ironbark timber beams, which then informed the choice of timber throughout the project.
The major obstacle he architects faced was fundamental and common one – how to integrate the existing house with the new additions to create a unified and cohesive new home.
This was largely achieved by adopting the curved recycled timber batten screen to re-define the form of the house, provide shading and privacy, and to integrate the new with the old.
The site is on a flood plain and so there consideration regarding height of floors and overall height of the building was needed.
Dealing with the existing often poorly built structure, erecting the over three metre high timber screen and digging a pool beneath the level of the adjoining lagoon were all challenges overcome during the construction of this home.
Sustainable design and construction was a considered feature of this project.
First and foremost the project has re-used a large part of the existing house.
The timber for the screen, sliding doors, living room floor, and timber benchtops is recycled ironbark.
There is a 20,000 litre water storage tank under the deck which provides water for watering the garden, topping up the pool, and flushing toilets.
And there is a solar heated hot water system with gas booster used for hydronic heating and hot water supply.
Excess hot water is used for the spa.
There is abundant natural light and external sun-shading.
Cross ventilation is assisted by ceiling fans and low voltage lighting had been used throughout.
The eco-core birch plywood used for the joinery is sustainable and has no VOCs.
The paints were also specifically selected for their superior environmental credentials.
Lagoon House was the second home the Utz Sanby team has designed for this family.
They have four children, are very busy, and often traveling, including a stint living in France for a year.
For this project, that meant effective communication was crucial during the design and construction phases of the project.
Effective communication was mandatory, but it was the mutual respect, trust, and a shared sense of humour that helped the Utz-Sanby team and their clients collaborate effectively.
And it was that collaboration that delivered a project hailed as a resounding success by all involved.
Key Products Used
- Recycled Iron bark screen, floors and benchtops – Australian Architectural Hardwoods
- Polished concrete floors – Boral
- Limed Birch Plywood – Eco Core
- Roofing – Colorbond (Woodland Grey)
- Smart Wiring – Dynalite
- Operable Roof – Vanguard
Project Details
Project Size – 332 m2
Site Area – 678 m2
Completion Date – 2015
Building levels – 2
Project Team
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
SDA Structures
SDA Structures specialise in providing the right level of structural advice to suit the particular project characteristics.
They have the experience necessary to keep a small house extension simple and cost effective, and the technical capacity to tackle the most complex structures from high end residence to public building, bespoke multi residential development, educational, commercial, heritage project, or unique artistic commission.
Construction
Builtform
Builtform is a boutique building company with an established reputation for producing high-end architectural buildings of exceptional quality.
Founded in 2004, Builtform has since completed numerous award-winning projects with some of Australia’s most recognised architects.
Photography
Marian Riabic
Marian is a Sydney-based architectural and drone photographer.
Connect with Marian on LinkedIn
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 Utz-Sanby Architects. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Marian Riabic. All Rights Reserved.
The Builtworks Quest
At Builtworks, we’re on a multi-year quest to document, showcase, and spotlight the best of Australia’s built environment.
That’s why we’re creating this comprehensive online archive and educational resource that showcases a diverse and eclectic range of project types and scales.
Together with showcasing older exemplars of enduring merit, we spotlight and celebrate the very best new and recent additions to Australia’s built environment.