After stripping back years of unthoughtful additions, Richmond House receives a bright and modern interpretation of a lean-to. This project and site presented some great opportunities as well as the obvious constraints, a generous width considering its inner-city context was balanced by a lack of depth and a two-three storey concrete wall on its rear boundary.
Stripping Back
The existing house required stripping back to its original form by the removal of add-on lean-to structures and overgrown gardens. Given a romantic attachment to the building it was to be carefully restored re-instating period details and preparing the plan for the new additions. However it was the new additions that were free to explore various spatial and architectural options that could take advantage of the unique site.
New Lean-to
It was here that the idea of replacing the old lean-to structures with a new one was explored, instead this time by leaning it up against the adjoining boundary wall rather than the existing house. In essence it is an angled roof pitched away from the existing house almost resting itself up against the dominating rear boundary wall. It became very apparent that not only was this proposal screening much of the undesired wall it was creating a rare volume of space and an expressive built form.
Passive Solar Design
Facing north with a predominately glass facade the main living zone provides the perfect orientation to promote passive solar design principles, its articulated fully operable facade accepts and rejects the sun as required whilst also offering visual relief, light and shade whilst not overwhelming the courtyard space it shares.
Blurring the Boundaries
A focused attempt was made to blur the edges of the building, intentionally creating a space that continued from side boundary to boundary and one that could be fully experienced by the occupants. The pool, deck and lawn are conceived as extensions to the living zones and are detailed to emphasise this connection.
Compression and Expansion
The transition from the existing house and perimeter service areas were purposefully compressed with lower ceiling heights to further emphasise the over scaled living zone. Internally this generosity of space allowed for an oversized fireplace that together with carefully detailed joinery became the focal points of this room. The walls and ceiling are wrapped in timber lining boards creating a warmth and enclosure which is afforded given its scale.
Materials
The material palette intentionally avoids a highly polished over styled aesthetic, rustic grade spotted gum flooring, raw concrete, timber lining boards, rough sawn shadow-clad external cladding and bluestone help ground the building.