A rectangular timber weatherboard cottage on a heritage conservation area in the Sydney suburb of Birchgrove was “poorly configured, lacked natural light, and the spaces felt dull and outdated”, says Nick Bell of Nick Bell Architects. “Available views of the city skyline and Harbour Bridge weren’t taken advantage of either.”
After living on the property for several years, the family of four were understandably frustrated with various aspects of the existing home, especially the lack of natural light. “The brief required reconfiguring the existing living spaces, internal stair and bathrooms to achieve better circulation and open the house up to views and light,” says Nick. “A fourth bedroom and separate laundry were also desired, as well as a home office space … and better connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.”
A small side addition and relocation of the stairs freed up planning of the existing house and provided the additional space needed. However, it was the reimagining and replacing of the existing lean-to that has seen natural light flood the interior of this home and transform its liveability.
“The roof to the new addition is a playful re-interpretation of the traditional rear lean-to. Part of the roof follows the traditional form, sloping down from front to back (albeit raised by about 600mm from the existing), while the other main section of roof slopes up from front to rear, increasing the ceiling height at the rear to 3.6m. Joining these two main roof planes is a third triangular transitional plane. This is a large skylight orientated to draw in natural light from the north,” says Nick.
The new rear elevation has also been entirely glazed to maximise natural light and seamlessly connect the interior and exterior environments. The continuation of concrete flooring as well as timber eaves also enhances this union of spaces. The Reynaers sliding doors appear weightless, suspended from steel droppers and integrated with a unique “open corner” design “where the sliding doors junction framelessly to a large pivot door that electronically locks together”.
In reimagining the traditional Aussie lean-to additions, this home is a beautiful, bright, modern interpretation with spaces for entertaining, rest and work … improvements that have become particularly appreciated during the restrictions of the pandemic.
