Future perfect

Downsizing doesn't mean a crimped lifestyle – here a new low-upkeep home on a modest site achieves generous living spaces, a garden outlook and feeling of seclusion

Looking down the length of the interior –

Looking past the central kitchen to the light-filled

The central kitchen divides the home's two distinct

Mature trees contribute to a relaxed, private feel,

Designed by Wilson and Hill Architects

From the architect:

The setting

For this project, the owners wanted their new home to be smaller than their existing home and on a single level.

To this end, they purchased an empty site that was mainly being utilised for a tennis court for its neighbouring house.

The flat site opens to the north while the tree lined street gives it an established feel – the new house was to include a secluded garden to the north west.

There are no near houses at the rear of the site which brings a feeling of seclusion despite being in a highly built up area.

Planning

The main planning constraint was the site coverage.

With the house being single level we had to take great care on how we maximised the area allowed on an 800m² site.

Construction

In terms of construction, the house has a concrete slab, as required on the TC2 site, and has timber framed walls and roof – the latter is plyclad to take the flat metal roofing.

Brick cladding was selected to ensure a maintenance free exterior.

In terms of internal layout, the he owners requested a large living space with a separate lounge for watching TV, listening to music and playing the piano.