Ashfield: June 2014
Project Partners:
Bellwood Kitchens (joinery)
Behind the unassuming façade of this 1910 era family home, set in the heritage context of Sydney’s inner west, sits a contemporary extension with hidden surprises. Seamlessly marrying the old with the new, the expansive open plan, naturally ventilated structure celebrates timeless materials and craftsmanship.
The brief was to provide a modern extension that was both sympathetic to the home’s heritage context and the existing building.
Therefore, the concept and material selection are minimal; a timeless palette of timber, natural stone and white walls in conjunction with polished concrete floors, which anchor the design.
Joinery throughout the old and new sections has received special attention; a true family affair the innovative designs are a collaboration between master cabinetmaker (father) and interior designer (daughter).
In the traditional end of the house, joinery wardrobe doors provide an element of surprise as they reveal an en-suite bathroom tucked away behind. Intelligent joinery also conceals all USB and power points behinds the backs of the vanity drawers.
Handcrafted modern oak doors act as a junction between old and new with the traditional timber floor transitioning to a heated, white polished concreted slab.
The extension has been carved into the sloping corner block and orientated north east to allow for an expansive, cross-ventilated structure. Single-level, it contains the open plan kitchen, dining, living and outdoor entertaining area complete with pool.
Tucked beneath this platform is a high-tech, acoustic-absorbing light-filled media room, concealed laundry, toilet, storage and garage; functional and fun.
A minimal design solution leaves no room for error. The interior design methodology was therefore focused around hands-on problem solving at both macro and micro levels at all project stages while still maintaining the capacity for freedom of expression.
An example of this approach was in the design and construction of the marble island bench which has been brought to life seamlessly by internal lighting. Bellwood researched, designed and co-ordinated the construction of the bench from start to finish working in collaboration with all the key trades, appointed for their sustainable approach. Bellwood project managed the process and ensured communication between lighting contractor, stone mason, joiner and solid surface manufacture to ensure the client’s vision came to fruition without compromising the design or various relationships with the trades.
Ensuring quality craft and manufacture underpin the design and will ensure the project remains sustainable and timeless for many years to come
Process: click here to see the process of this project.
Featured Product:
Photography by Sue Stubbs
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