A Considered Something

Statkus Architecture

Northcote, Victoria, Australia

© Matthew Mallet, Ben Starkus

This project is a renovation and extension. The existing house, which had been remodeled by previous owners, was mostly retained, with some reconfiguration and modification of spaces. The project started with a small budget and a small site, but a big brief. Given that the house is for two adults and three children, spaces for everyone formed an important component of the brief. The solution was predicated on the notion that “spaces for everyone” shouldn’t necessarily be large rooms, but instead could be undefined, flexible spaces.

South elevation

North elevation

West elevation

East elevation

This house is on a corner. A bright orange patterned screen on the upstairs northwest corner visually addresses this building by day, contrasting with the streetscape tones of fence, tree, and sky.

By night, the screen is inverted, no longer orange, and, with the lights on inside, the openings—dark by day—become light, a lantern effect over the street.

Section A

Section B

Section C

Section D

Section E

Section F

Section G

A.	Stair
B.	Bedroom
C.	Study
D.	Laundry room
E.	Living area
F.	Master bedroom
G.	Deck
H.	Dining area
I.	Kitchen
J.	Dressing area
K.	En suite
L.	Bathroom
M.	Snug
N.	Balcony

Ground-floor plan

A.	Entry porch
B.	Hallway
C.	Bedroom
D.	Laundry room
E.	Bathroom
F.	Dining area
G.	Living area
H.	Snug
I.	Deck
J.	Car space
K.	Shed
L.	Study
M.	Ensuite
N.	Master bedroom
O.	Balcony
P.	Dressing area

Second-floor plan

The new works comprise an extended kitchen, living, and dining area, plus a new “snug” space. A new upstairs extension comprises a study, roof storage access, en suite bathroom, a dressing area, a master bedroom, and a compact balcony.

 

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Clerestories are designed to avoid overheating and heat loss. They should be placed according to the orientation of a building to optimize their function.

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A 6-1/2-foot wide addition to the east boundary extends south beyond the existing rear façade, creating a small “snug” area that experiences warm afternoon sun for a passively warmed and lit space in winter, and a shaded one in summer.

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The pattern of the screen is cast upon the brickwork, tiling, and joinery, creating constantly changing patterns of light and shadow.

Transom windows on opposite walls increase the illumination quality by balancing the light. This avoids sharp light and shadow contrasts, and makes for visual comfort.