A generational homecoming - literally.
After a number of years living on the Australian mainland, our Tasmania-born client was ready to return with her family to the quieter island of her younger days. In Launceston, the old childhood homestead was still happily occupied by her parents, but a patch of dirt out back invited new attention.
Our design incorporated a new family home onto the existing block, capitalising on the site’s generosity of space, view and light, and respecting its place in one of northern Tasmania’s most established heritage value suburbs.
CLIENT
Private
IMAGES
Anjie Blair
LAND OF
Stoney Creek Nation
COLLABORATORS
Davies Construction
D1 Consulting Engineers
RED Sustainability Consultants
AWARDS
Our approach incorporated an interruption to the otherwise uniformly long and narrow plan by “pushing out” the living and dining wing out at the lower level, as well as a multi-use guest and rumpus area at the upper level.
A welcome interruption.
These subtle adjustments to the linear program created a north-facing courtyard space in between the level changes, inviting conversation, and continuing the legacy of family life for which the property already holds significance for its owners - original, new and returning.
In the context of its period home neighbours, it was critically important that this contemporary residence be respectful of the surrounding heritage character. Our design placed the addition quietly and unassumingly within the relatively narrow subdivision of the childhood family home, against the backdrop of established neighbouring gardens.
By pushing the building form to the southern side of the block, the home enjoys sun access all the way along its long northern side, beginning as a low single-level garage, before splitting at the entry into private bedroom spaces above, and following a gradient down to the family-friendly kitchen, dining and living spaces.
Grounded in space.
