A turn for the better

Designed by Kirsten Johnstone Architecture

From the architects:

The brief

Kirsten first met our homeowners five years ago when they contacted KJA to discuss their concerns about a very large lemon-scented eucalyptus tree on their property that was clearly under stress, dropping limbs and leaf matter with bare branches. 

Additionally, they had undertaken a home renovation previously to create an accessible home to care for their elderly parents. 

These considerations were no longer necessary, and the brief was to provide a secure, adaptable home for their family of three with abundant natural daylight suitable for entertaining while provide privacy from the school opposite. 

It quickly became apparent that receipt of a building permit would allow removal of the tree but given the poor health of the tree, a tree removal permit was sought and granted by Council allowing the site conditions to normalise prior to commencing construction.

Key challenges

The original layout of the home included a north facing front yard with entry point on a busy street corner. 

The existing single storey home's layout and position on the site had resulted in a home with minimal engagement or connection to the outdoors. 

The site is also located opposite a three storey school building requiring a design response to address overlooking and privacy concerns.

A radical design response was needed to dramatically improve the natural daylight into the home, provide connection with the landscape and a layout better attuned to family living.

The solutions

Relocating the entry to the house was pivotal to the success of this project. 

The reorientation of the home to enter from the side street allowed the conversion of the previous front yard into a north facing yard overlooked by the living areas, all beautifully landscaped and screened from both streets, with optimal north facing pool and garden area. 

Broad expanses of glass maximise natural daylight while protected operable windows are articulated to capture light, views and air.

The new entry is a bold, metal-clad double height form to capture westerly sea breezes – drawing air to naturally ventilate the internal spaces – with remote controlled openable windows at each end to capture sea breezes and act as a functional spine to the home, dividing the more public areas from the private zones.

The internal courtyard with water feature was strategically ,situated to provide natural cooling properties and noise mitigation in addition to offering framed views enjoyed by adjoining spaces – the outcome being a sensory delight!

Slim angled blades applied to the fence and window screens mitigate direct overlooking from the school. 

These vertical elements are iterated in steel balustrades and the profile of feature timber cladding, alluding to a material homogeneity and aesthetic commonality.

On the ground floor, an expansive living area is articulated with architectural devices including secret doors, nooks, hidden storage and wall cladding that folds and wrap around elements. 

Upstairs, the generous and private parents retreat comprises bedroom, ensuite, his-and-hers walk-in-robes and a large north facing balcony.

Story by: Trendsideas