All seeing, all connecting

This rear lounge-deck-master suite extension is a master class in connecting to the views while keeping in step with the original cottage

The design challenge involved providing an extension able

The extension maintains the height required to access

Fenestrations and pergola all emphasise the vertical.

Looking through to the new extension and bush

Kitchen to dining to living to rear deck

Consecutive vertical windows above the daybed frame the

The new living space and new rear outdoor

Once on the terrace, a similar vertical pattern

A new master bedroom wing sits behind the

Before and after. - All seeing, all connecting

Stepping the extension out at the side provides

Renovation by Alex Urena Design Studio

From the building designer:

Design brief

The brief for this project was to design a minor rear extension and outdoor living areas to an existing cottage.

The site slopes down towards the yard and backs into the bush.

However, it is also blessed with outstanding distant ocean views towards the east, only accessible if the floor levels are kept higher than the sloping natural ground.

The design challenge involved providing an extension able to be linked to the yard, the bush and the ocean without feeling disconnected from the original cottage levels.

Design solution

The proposal opened up the rear side of the existing cottage to a large living space, laid in such way that it can be simultaneously link to the yard and bush via a new covered terrace, as well as to the outstanding distant ocean views towards the east over a long feature daybed towards the side.

Consecutive vertical windows above the daybed frame the ocean views, while a corner window provides a hint of views towards the bush.

Once on the terrace, a similar vertical pattern was used on the pergola's double posts to frame the bush views.

Both vertical patterns can be enjoyed from either inside or outside the house.

A new master bedroom wing sits behind the added living space, including a study and ensuite, with the master bedroom also enjoying a direct access to the terrace, and hence bush and ocean views.

The double featured posts used for the pergola lead the way towards the stairs landing onto the backyard.

From there, a recycled brick planter wraps the new addition, providing not only warm textures to the building, but also assisting to control the scale of the additions in relation to the natural ground below, and merging to the rhythm from the custom timber portals for the terrace above.