WOOLLAHRA HOUSE 12
LOCATION
Woollahra, NSW
PHOTOGRAPHY
Owner permission
INTERIOR DESIGN
Tim Allison Associates
BUILD
GNC Quality
AWARDS
2011
Master Builders Association Award
Award to GNC Quality
The opportunity to design such a substantial new residence in heart of the West Woollahra Conservation Area is exceptionally rare, and in order to do so, the design of a new building must contribute positively to the heritage context.
The new house replaces an inappropriate 1980s house. At 450 sqm, with 15 metres frontage, the unusually large site, presented unique design opportunities.
At the street front the building presents as single storey in deference to its heritage neighbours to the north, and steps up to a two-storey form to the rear in response to its larger neighbour to the south.
Breaking up the 15m frontage, the building presents a central entry zone with a garage to the south and a garden to the north.
The entry zone progresses as a linear street-like circulation, from which the chequer board plan of courtyards and rooms flow off both sides.
Rather than sit as a house in the centre of its block, the new house plays with the required setbacks, to create a unique courtyard house. By playing with the setbacks, a series of 4 courtyards allow the building pavilions to be located hard on the boundaries. This enables every room to open directly onto 2 or more outdoor spaces, creating an unrivalled sense of spaciousness in a dense inner city suburb.
Two green roof provide additional softness to the street, and to the upper level bedrooms.
