The Black Rock House by Jost Architects sees a striking new addition to a dilapidated existing home. The period front of the building has been retained, while a modern two-storey extension has been added to the rear.
"As the house was fronted on to a side street and the site ran adjacent to a main road we built hard against the side boundary on the road all the way to the rear of the site. This was to separate the backyard from the unwanted traffic noise and provide better privacy to the rear yard." — Patrick Jost, Architect
But this approach exceeded the standard planning setbacks, so a strong rationale had to be presented to satisfy council's planning department.
Patrick explains how they justified the reduced setback by creating a better outdoor area for the owners and they satisfied council by using a number of different materials and finishes on the facade to reduce the visual bulk to the street. This demonstrates that all rules can be bent to create better outcomes, all that is required is a reasonable justification and a collaborative approach. A good architect is an important asset in these situations.
Old and new are linked by folding the line of the old roof up to create a 'reverse pitch'. The roof line then rakes across to a new flat roof, while the facia folds down again at the rear. This approach eliminates the typical box-like extension which has no relationship with the old house.
Internally, light coloured natural finishes and operable glazed sliders that open out to a flush finished timber deck, small pool and rear yard associate the house with the beachside suburb it is located in.
The plan of the home and position of windows is designed using the principles of passive thermal design. Glazing is minimised on the upper, west-facing facade to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun, while the windows are set back on the ground floor to allow the low-angled sun in during winter, but block the summer's high angled rays.
The architect worked closely with the builder, Philip Building Group on this project to develop an innovative scheme which would be achievable on a tightly controlled budget. This design and construct process can be an effective way to 'massage' project costs with a trustworthy builder as opposed to the more common design and tender process.
Black Rock House successfully meshes elements of old and new to create a cohesive and comfortable family home. Jost Architects have also shown unique approaches to integrating old and new, overcoming planning restricting and keeping the budget in check. Jost Architects have created a bright and comfortable family home.
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