Nelson Rd House

• This is the third project we’ve been involved with for these clients; this project represents the next phase of their lives – the inner city downsize. The brief was to design a house to suit the needs of the family now, but also for the ‘empty nesters’ they’ll be in the future.

  The site is sandwiched between single level workers cottages on one side, and red brick housing commission townhouses on the other. There is a public open space reserve in front of the site, buffering the adjacent commercial precinct. We’ve drawn from the materiality and forms of the surrounding area, so the finished house, while much more contemporary than its neighbours, sits comfortably in the streetscape.

  White perforated steel screens along the street facing facade have been designed to mediate between the public and the private. During the day when the sun shines on the screens, the house appears quite solid. As evening approaches, the house takes on a much softer feel, the screens become more transparent.

  The relationship between interiors, exteriors and landscape is inextricably linked in our attempt to draw the outside in. The same bricks and timber lining are used inside and outside, rooms flow casually out to terrace spaces.

  Entering from the street you’re greeted by an intimate entry alcove which opens into a double height stairwell. The ground floor contains the kids retreat; 2 bedrooms and a second living area arranged around a landscaped courtyard. Upstairs, the middle floor contains an open living, dining & kitchen area with expansive city views. A concealed timber veneer panel door opens to reveal another stair leading up to the parent’s retreat, which includes a bedroom, walk-in robe & en suite, and a large north, city facing terrace.

  Staff

  David Neil, Jack Carolane

  Builder

  TCM Building Group

  Consultants

  Struct Plan

  Photographer

  Hilary Bradford

  Year

  2018