Lightbox House
Terrace houses are notoriously dark and dingy. The common solution is to add a light, modern extension to the rear. A rear extension was no option for these homeowners. They are surrounded on all sides by imposing neighbors. They are essentially land-locked. So what happens when you need more space but have nowhere to go but up?
Lightbox House by Edwards Moore Architects solves the problem of space and light with one gesture. A translucent roofed second story and a (surprisingly unterrifying) perforated floor adds both space and light. A once cramped and dark terrace is transformed.
Perforated Floor: Large exposed rafters and a perforated steel floor lets the light into the ground floor. It has the potential to be the most terrifying floor ever created, but it's actually very secure and gives a surreal fuzzy look to the space.
Retaining the Original: From the front, the original facade is maintained. Just a hint of the work inside is revealed via a glowing box at night.
Simple Addition: The upstairs addition is lightweight and simply constructed, creating a cost-effective extension for the land-locked home. Made from corrugated iron, the 'popped top' is inherently waterproof and works more like a capping than a new story.
Oversized Awning Window: Upstairs, a huge oversized awning window can open the home up to the outdoors and let light and breezes in.
Light from Above and Below: The living area is light and bright thanks to a translucent fiberglass roof/ceiling and the perforated floor. Light can enter the space from above and below and thanks to the perforations the sense of space continues down to the ground floor.
Sunken Living: A small step up from the living area creates a sunken conversation pit (albeit with a perforated floor). The raised platform creates the perfect seating spot for extra guests (or a quizzical gazing post for the family pooch).
Cantilevered Stair: A finely crafted cantilevered stair is both sculptural element and ensures the downstairs is light and spacious. Oh, and you can use it to climb to the upper level as well. That's versatile.
Lightbox House is a simple and neat solution to the need for more space. It provides a whole new open-plan living space, and also solves that other crucial problem -- brightening up the typically dark terrace home.