Herston Residence

The clients approached us to make alterations to their high-set home on a steep site in Herston. They required only a small amount of additional space, but importantly needed to utilise the sloping site effectively and create a light and comfortable home.

Our proposal approaches the site as a whole, creating a series of small spaces within the site both internally and externally for the owners to accommodate to suit their mood and need. Taking advantage of the naturally occurring orientation and shade, external terraces provide different landscape experiences and opportunities for the owners to enjoy up the 12m high slope. Demolished materials are re-purposed into the landscaping as retaining and paving, providing a legacy of the original home whilst also a sustainable and economical source of material.

The house has two new rooms; a kitchen to the North and a Bedroom to the South. The living areas moved to the North of the house towards the light and views. Here a bespoke windows slide down into the wall cavity, whilst retractable flyscreens and external blinds allow the front two rooms to function as a balcony space, moderated from the elements as required.

The material palette was conceived in conjunction with the clients – Brick, concrete and steel externally; durable materials to hold a vivacious landscape. Internally the existing house is respected – windows and period features restored and retained, whilst the new elements take on a contemporary character. The client, an engineer has utilised his own expertise and skills to procure and construct a number of steel components within the house, not usually found in domestic construction.