Designed by the Adelaide studio of award-winning Architects Ink, Medindie House is a two-storey contemporary addition to a grand old sandstone villa.
Their client sought a contemporary lifestyle and a strong connection to the spacious north-facing rear yard, whilst also accommodating extended family.
Bound by fine homes and historic mansions on Robe Terrace, the suburb of Medindie, is full of gracious villas on large allotments, many with courts and pools.
Neighbours and the community are justifiably proud of this heritage zone.
The modern addition is located deep into the site, so as not to impact the historical streetscape.
Visitors walk past the old villa and enter via an informal side entrance, the “link”, a transition zone between the old and the new.
At this junction, the change from single to two storey is well considered.
The entry link has been kept low and sits below the existing eaves.
The double-height section begins at a respectful distance from the villa and is in line with the pitched roof’s volume, hidden from the street.
The addition runs almost the full width of the property overlooking and interfacing with the tennis court, pool, and pavilion beyond.
The Architects Ink design team ensured every habitable room of the addition has full height north-facing windows embracing passive solar design principles and maximising their connection to the garden.
Strong horizontal lines and a minimal material palette of concrete, natural timber and stone, contribute to the elegance and simplicity of the addition.
This apparent simplicity is a direct result of relentless design analysis and refinement.
Circulation space is minimised, and service rooms such as the laundry, mudroom, and butler’s pantry are hidden behind secret doors.
That way, the focus remains on the open plan living and the magnetic pull of the outdoor spaces.
The site’s location directly under a flight path led to the selection of in-situ concrete construction for the walls, floors, and roof.
The concrete’s mass, together with the highly engineered aluminium window frames, mitigate the intrusion of unwanted airborne noise.
Concrete is a material often used by Architects Ink due to its structural qualities, design flexibility, and longevity.
The structural ply outlines and z-bar locations combined with all the imperfections add to its character and charm.
In a contextual sense, the concrete reinforces the grandeur of the property.
It conveys that this is a solid and sound addition, deserving of its place in the locality.
And it announces; I’m here to stay.
The solidity of the concrete is balanced with the play of light throughout the addition.
Windows, frameless skylights, and voids are strategically located in walls and roofs to capture the sun, natural light, breezes, and garden views.
The design of Medindie House by Architects Ink exceeded their client’s brief and expectations for function, aesthetics, and liveability.
The addition is minimal yet warm and functional with an understated luxury; a contemporary yet enduring addition to the beautifully restored villa.
Project Details
Project Size – 500 m2
Site Area – 2,192 m2
Completion Date – 2022
Building Levels – 2
Project Team
Architecture
Architects Ink
Architects Ink is an award-winning Architecture and Interior Design practice established in 1996 with offices in Adelaide and Sydney, Australia. The practice specializes in high-quality residential design; new houses, alterations and additions, and multi-residential projects.
Photography
Sam Noonan
Sam Noonan is an Australian-based specialist architectural and interiors photographer with 30 years of professional experience.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2022 Architects Ink. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2022 Sam Noonan. 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 new and recent additions to Australia’s built environment.