Freshwater semi architecture bringing the natural light in
The renovation and extension of this semi-detached dwelling in Freshwater was designed by David Boyle Architect with a key objective of bringing in as much natural light to the narrow South facing aspect. The front rooms and roof line of the existing building were retained and a new 2-storey extension was added to the rear. The roof line was extended to the maximum allowable building envelope, enabling a 14.5 metre long north facing set of louvre windows to access northern light and ventilation into both upper and lower open plan areas via a double height void over the combined kitchen and dining room. The living room opens via a set of French doors through a portal of recycled railway sleepers to a sculptural concrete platform perched within the centre of the rear garden. A timber pergola made from Australian hardwood is set in a sculptural pattern above the rear concrete terrace to filter the light and bounce light into the living room through full height glazing above the French doors. A deep set skylight is installed into the existing structure to provide further light into the entry hallway.
Construction materials:new floor in a polished concrete slab, timber frame, fibre cement weatherboards, windows in plantation grown western red cedar and Australian hardwood, custom Orb and Klip Lok Zincalume roofing, timber pergola made from Australian hardwood and concrete terrace.
Sustainable features: retention of as much of original house as possible, concrete floor for thermal mass, cross-ventilation, heavy insulation.
[Photography by Brigid Arnott]