Coogee Courtyard
This project is an exercise in subtraction. In increments, Samantha and Andrew’s Federation home in Coogee had consumed their garden—a large addition and double garage eventually occupying what was once the backyard. By removing the garage and maintaining a perimeter wall, our project creates a courtyard oriented towards the path of the sun. A covered veranda catches the afternoon light, providing shelter from the weather and a dry place to work in the rain. Sleeping under the stars or cooking Balmain bugs on the open fire, Sam and Andrew say the space has become central to the pattern of their daily lives.
Built by Harrison Marsh and photographed by Saskia Wilson.
Lane Cove House
Lane Cove House is an experiment in intergenerational family living. Georgia, Adam and their young daughter, Olive, reside on a new upper floor, where internal courtyards frame long views over illuminated treetops. As they have for many years, Olive’s grandparents, Antoinette and John, continue to live on the ground floor of what has long been the family home. Uniform materials integrate the original suburban bungalow into the new spaces, which bring density and shared living to an otherwise traditional suburban setting.
Built by Keith March and photographed by Saskia Wilson.
Bronte Studio
Kati and Shaun have lived in their Bronte home for many years. A verdant garden weaves its way around the site, shielding the existing dwelling from view and casting long afternoon shadows. By raising a garden bed up as a green roof, Kati’s new ceramics studio disappears under coastal rosemary and grevilleas. Raw materials reflect the garden setting and a circular window, displaying Kati’s work, greets visitors as they arrive.
Built by Brad Swanson and photographed by Saskia Wilson.
Marrickville House
Tom and Carmel’s worker’s cottage in Marrickville was more than they needed. Instead of selling-up and moving on, they invited their daughter and her young family to move into the family home, while they relocated to a new self-contained studio in the backyard: three generations living together in an otherwise unaffordable neighbourhood. The compact 18sqm space is planned around Tom and Carmel’s favourite painting, which is recessed into a sliding door that separates living and sleeping areas. A sawtooth roof draws in light, recalling the area’s industrial past, and a large window frames the gnarled trunk of Tom and Carmel’s red flowering gum.
Built by Tom Sturm and photographed by Saskia Wilson.
Bondi Apartment
Simon, Justine and their daughter Scout had finally outgrown their small apartment in Bondi. Not wanting to leave the charming Art Deco building in which they had lived for so many years, they sought a cost-effective increase in space without compromising the original character of their home. By extending the original apartment across an additional level, a new living area now opens onto a sheltered rooftop garden. Although modest in size, the added space transforms the once small apartment into a spacious and yet discrete family home.
Built by Harrison Marsh and photographed by Saskia Wilson.
Mullumbimby House
Perched on a ridge overlooking Cape Byron to the east and Mount Warning to the West, our brief from Mia and Jason is for a ‘Sunrise/Sunset’ house. More to come.
Hill End Artist Residence
Set on the outskirts of this historic gold mining town, our brief is for an atavistic artist’s retreat and gallery. More to come.
