Most of us are spending a lot more time at home recently, following the spread of covid19. As I shifted my desk homewards, I suddenly found myself unable to turn a blind eye on areas that were underutilised or collecting dust. The abandoned corners, the dumping grounds, the sad little plant begging for more light, less water or an altogether new pot. I looked to integrate home and work life while still maintaining the boundaries that allow me the capacity to relax at home, but meanwhile, these hot spots became unavoidable eyesores.
Not only myself, but people all around me were reconfiguring their homes; addressing dusty corners and dumping grounds; potting plants, rearranging furniture and encouraging every space in their house to work hard and for multiple uses. People everywhere are reconsidering their dwelling spaces with care and attention.
As architects we bring an understanding of space, volume and movement within it. We work closely with clients to identify how they use their building, as well as how they want to use it too. A small renovation can achieve so much. Freeing or simplifying movement within a space, providing natural daylight, capturing a cool breeze or framing a view. Like a song transition by a DJ, good design might go unnoticed in its facilitation of effortless space.
I can’t help but daydream, as I rehouse my plants in new pots, so too am I being generous with myself within the special space of my home (my castle).
Now is a great time to consider how your property might benefit from a renovation. At BASE we feel it is imperative for clients to spend time in their properties to understand how they use the building, and how they might want to. Where do they sit and have breakfast? Where is the sun in the morning? Where do the kids play? Where are the bottlenecks in the house and where could connections be forged? How can we facilitate a stronger connection to place?
Our project in Kanimbla, Blue Mountains used minimal interventions for maximum impact. We replaced and reconfigured sad, old windows, proposed minor adjustments to the interior layout and combined this with a new and considered materials palette. The same house footprint now includes an additional bedroom and bathroom. Still under construction, this renovation will strengthen the user’s connection to place within an exceptional natural location. New life is given to an existing house to better reflect the aspirations of new owners.
JB
Existing house felt removed from the landscape
Selective glazing will better connect the occupants with the natural environment, a feature of this site.