Circle of life

The traditional Shakkei principle of incorporating borrowed scenery informs this renovation/extension – recycled materials also play a part

Parts of the extension are pulled outwards to

Looking from the living space to the courtyard.

The circular theme finds its way into the

Calculations were made so the exterior brass cladding

Natural materials and tones feature throughout the home.

The extension incorporates a large circular window that frames the

A rounded bedroom window complete with reading nook.

The circular bedroom window includes a door that

Renovation and extension by Ryan Ng, and Clinton Cole, CplusC Architectural Workshop

The concept for this home is heavily inspired by the strong family bond of the owners, together with the connection between its occupants and relationship to landscape.

To translate this bond into architectural form, the design deliberately removes boundaries and combines the living, dining and kitchen into one interwoven space; walls that separated the spaces were reimagined as a vertical threshold that keeps the occupants together despite working on different tasks.

Parts of the extension are pulled outwards to form the outdoor living, cooking and seating area, softening the threshold between the house and courtyard.

A circular motif is extended from the dining area to the living space window overlooking the rear courtyard, a framed transition from the interior to exterior influenced by the Japanese concept of Shakkei, providing the house a sense of serenity and activity.

The existing Federation-period house accommodates two bedrooms, a master bedroom with ensuite, a guest room and a bathroom, all of which have been rejuvenated to the standard of the new extension.

The extension incorporates a large circular window that frames the view of the outdoor living space and backyard continuing the concept of Shakkei.

Part of the window is made operable to allow for natural cross ventilation, while two layers of solid and translucent blinds allow for maximum light and privacy control.

The frame itself also acts as seating for young children.

The new extension establishes itself as the missing link between the initial topographical disconnect between original house and garden through a gradual vertical transition that navigates occupants from the private bedrooms to the outdoor spaces and garden.

This architectural move transforms previously dark and gloomy living spaces into an open plan social space that correlates to the owner’s desire to strengthen familial bond and relationship with the natural environment.

Our role as both architect, builders and on-site documenters gave opportunity for a level of detail resolution not often found in traditional practice.

Close collaboration with the landscape designer resulted in a garden with native plantings and climbing plants that will eventually wrap up and over the master bedroom façade, softening the threshold between built form and vegetation.

As an environmentally conscious practice, careful consideration of material use is evident throughout the home.

Specific calculations were made so the exterior brass cladding around the circular window could be achieved with only two standardised sheets, with cut-offs incorporated as part of the design, reinforcing the circular motif.

Existing materials are also consciously reused such as repurposing the demolished sandstone foundations in the garden – maximising the material’s lifespan, and reducing site waste.

In addition, the design supports the family’s sustainable lifestyle through the installation of a 3kW photovoltaic system and an 8000L rainwater tank to reduce the environmental impact of day-to-day life.