Best Residential Alterations Award *
The Secret Graft
When Paul Bird first purchased this property in a quiet Yarraville side street he intended to renovate, sell and quickly move on. But when he saw what jfkdesign envisaged for the rear of the small worker's cottage he was so impressed, he stayed for several years. It was an indication that jfkdesign and builder Paul Bird has started something special.
The contemporary extension grafted onto the rear of the house went on to win the 2005 Building Designers Association of Victoria award for 'Best Residential Alterations up to $100,000'. The front of the property was modified to enhance the traditional Yarraville streetscape while offering no indication of the extensive changes at the rear; anyone approaching the home would have no idea that a modern light-filled living pavilion existed out the back. |
The Design...
The design incorporated a raked wall (slanted at a 10 degrees angle) at the rear of the home, with strategically placed windows bringing welcome light to a previously dark interior that shut out the view of a neighboring two storey building. Due to residential code requirements a lowered bulkhead adjoined the rear wall of the home. Jackson overcame all potential limitations to add a sense of sculpture and enhance the functionality of the space.
From the outside, the rear of the home is a visually compelling combination of lines and angles, an arresting contrast to the traditional facade of the home and classic streetscape. As noted by the BDAV, the home is a "timely meeting of old and new". |
Outside is as important as inside...Timber cladding at the rear of the home complements the original weatherboard finish. Large expanses of glass are oriented north, flooding the rear living space with ample sunlight. The courtyard decking is finished flush with the internal floor level; the simple, flat-panel treatment of the fences makes the courtyard another room of the house."Outside is as important as inside in our projects, both visually and spatially", Jackson says. |
The final outcome...
The final outcome is a modest home with a generous feel.
Budget considerations lead to a simple design and fit out, but again this constraint became an opportunity embraced.
The final design is striking and stylish without ignoring the surrounding context, and is a testament to sound design and craftsmanship.
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The firm...While jfkdesign looked after all plans, Paul Bird himself completed the renovations in association with his company Paul Bird Building Pty. Ltd. The firm specialises in contemporary renovations and architecturally designed internal works and has just completed a much-lauded project at Phillip Island, in which they transformed a typical old fibro beach shack into a contemporary open-plan dwelling with exposed timber beams and nautical theme. These projects speak volumes for the skills of Paul Bird Building.* Based on Autumn/Winter edition of Melbourne Home Design & Living 2007 |
