This Adelaide Villa on a suburban block with a bad lean-to was pleading for a formulaic response from Khab Architects:
- knock down bad lean-to
- extend nice extensive extension
Besides being disturbingly symmetrical, Kirsty Hewitt, Director at Khab Architects, reckoned it was also inconsiderately positioned.
And the rangehood flue had been wall-papered!
It had a commanding view of the neighbour’s posteriors and a central corridor that was divided into three distinct segments leading into a dark corner.
Each segment of corridor both narrowed and shed ornament at the same time.
But all was not lost.
There was a light at the end of the corridor and around the corner.
There was a wonderful ceiling, a subtle fall to the site which gave an unexpected elevation, and one long view to the north-west just over the intersection of four shades of colorbond.
Oh my!
Most importantly for Khab Architects though was their client who wanted creativity and design. It was the client’s stance that catapulted the potentially formulaic into the fantastic.
To be more specific, Klab’s client needed a new home for his family.
But he didn’t want something earthy and humble, nor a playground or an art gallery.
Calm. Classy. Glossy. Impressive. Functional. Efficient. Clever.
That’s what he wanted.
So Klab flaunted the symmetry before breaking it. They narrowed the corridor even further, pinching it down before unzipping it completely.
They not only shed the ornament, they shed the plaster too.
The last lump of original stone and brick crumbled like a 13th apostle into a calm ocean of new polished concrete. This is a point of nakedness where the raw steel and glass of the new embraces the bare brick of the original.
Axis shift and sight lines are revealed.
From nakedness the spaces are re-clothed layer by layer until finally a perforated veil lifts a corner to let you outside once again.
Project Details
Completion date – 2015
Project Team
Architecture
Khab Architects
Khab Architects is an Adelaide based architecture practice. They are Kirsty Hewitt and Adam Brown, who together run the practice and work on a range of type and scale of projects, from residential to commercial and institutional.
They employ contract staff as required, and operate out of a dynamic studio environment shared with other architects that they collaborate with when relevant for projects.
Their architecture values client individuality, environmental responsibility, material qualities, and spatial beauty, placing high value on developing a strong working relationships on every project between client, architect, and builder.
Construction
Harrold & Kite
Established in 1970, Harrold & Kite are considered as one of South Australia’s most respected Commercial Building Contractors and are a long time Master Builders SA Member. They employ a diverse and highly skilled workforce and provide a comprehensive range of services to their clients over a variety of industry sectors.
They have a highly experienced Senior Management team that delivers vast construction expertise and skills enabling the company to offer a professional, passionate and committed service to the Construction Industry.
Photography
Aaron Citti
Aaron Citti is an award winning commercial photographer based in Adelaide, Australia. He is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and specialises in professional commercial, architecture, and interior photography.
His work includes commercial and architecture projects in Australia and overseas, with many of his works published nationally and internationally in London, New York, Indonesia, Fiji, and New Zealand.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Get the Builtworks Letter
In every edition of the Builtworks Letter, you’ll get the behind-the-scenes backstory as to how buildings are designed, built, and brought to life.
You’ll hear compelling stories, learn surprising ideas, meet engaging characters, and discover unique voices.