Speed House
In an area where many character-filled cottages are fast being replaced by poorly built project homes, our aim for this design was to be respectful to the streetscape and context, and to honour the memory of our client’s previous home. They had outgrown their well-loved Californian bungalow on the site and requested a new 2-storey dwelling to accommodate their busy family of 4.
The design utilises face brickwork both externally and internally, with brickwork details referencing the remaining nearby cottages and fences in scale and detail. Subtle mementos of the old house such as cathedral glass from the old entry door and bricks saved from the demolition are incorporated into the detailing and pay respect to the past.
The planning concept for the house is clear and simple – a central circulation spine running east-west divides the spaces into living/dining and bedrooms on the northern side, and service/utility spaces such as laundry, bathrooms, kitchen, pantry and walk-in robe on the south. Due to the site’s orientation, the south-facing rooms have minimal windows other than skylights and a large continuous highlight window in the upstairs corridor, which spatially and visually links all the bedrooms.
At the front, a home office, small balcony, and gardens all help connect the house to the street, with neighbours stopping for a chat and the kids playing handball on the driveway after school. At the back, the use of the outdoor space is maximised with a small plunge pool, alfresco living area and outdoor kitchen. The client’s knowledge of the weather patterns on the site allowed us to maximise eastern breezes throughout, making the house efficient to cool and ventilate naturally.
In the main living space, the regulatory offset required for the first floor creates an opportunity for a large skylight running the length of the living/dining space which washes the main feature face brick wall with soft natural light. The warm and homely interiors are personalised with custom-built joinery throughout and embellished with indoor plants and selected antique pieces from the family’s collection.
Speed House is a result of a close working relationship between all parties, including the engineer, builder, landscape architect and interior designer, and has been a joy to work on thanks to the open communication and trust between the design team and our client. A project which takes pride in its Inner West location, and which we hope will serve the family well for many years to come.
Construction by Ferrocon
Landscape design by Melissa Wilson Landscape Architects
Photography by Tom Ferguson
Press HOME Magazine
“The outcome speaks for itself – we now have a home that is modern without being out of place in the neighbourhood; generous without being excessive; luxurious but welcoming. Family, friends and neighbours have been unanimous in their praise for our home ”
