Rule Addition

BDAWA Design Awards 2018 - Residential Alteration / Addition up to $350k, WINNER
BDAWA Design Awards 2018 - Small Lot Design, COMMENDATION
NABD Design Awards 2018 - Best Residential Alteration / Addition up to $350k, COMMENDATION ​

Dion Robeson

• Improve the function and spatial quality of the rear section of an existing character home in North Fremantle.
• Enlarge the kitchen, dining and living areas for greater room volume and increased natural light.
• Retain the existing facade of the character cottage.
• Create a connection with the rear courtyard.
• Relocate the bathroom closer to the bedrooms and increase the thermal mass of the home.
• The design had to consider the neighbours’ proposed addition on the adjacent side of the common separation wall as well as tight site access.

There was limited access to the narrow 6 metre wide, 30 metre long site that sloped over a 2 metre drop. The design had to take into account the neighbours’ proposed addition that had already been finalised. Living areas were to be linked to the rear courtyard addition, comprising a split-level internal living area. The owners wanted to capture the views on the western side of the house, whilst also providing protection from the sun. 

The rear wall was extended to abut the neighbours’ addition and the existing skillion roof expanded to match the existing style. A split level was incorporated in the rear kitchen, dining and living areas to connect the home to the rear courtyard, increase the spatial quality and allow for a concrete slab to increase the thermal mass of the home. Steps were strategically positioned to complement the neighbours’ proposed addition and facilitate a cost-effective extension of the new section of separation wall.

A full-height rear-facing glass wall was introduced to increase natural light and frame the views from an elevated cosy nook, while screening and a deciduous vine protected the glazing from the harsh summer sun. To address the challenges of the narrow site, the same builder who was commissioned to construct the neighbours’ additions was assigned to carry out this work simultaneously.