Palm House

Palm House takes a dark inward looking 1940’s post war Australian suburban house and reimagines it with an elegant addition that connects to it’s lush landscape setting.

Our clients existing house was inward looking and dark and they wanted something open, generous and light that reflected their personalities.

The extension responds to our clients brief and allows them to maximize the full potential of the site.

The clients had a limited budget so our strategy for the project was to retain and make only small changes to the existing building fabric. This allowed sustainability to be integral to repurposing and extending the home.

We were then able to maximise the new works and concentrate budget on practical elements such as the kitchen, walk-in-pantry, laundry and living areas where most of the time will be spent.

The extension, conceived as a ‘garden room’ sits within a lush new landscaped setting and reimages the dwelling’s residential context.

As you enter your eyes are drawn through an arched opening to the glazed light filled pavilion and garden beyond.

Large overhangs protect the house from solar gain and oculus skylights provide dramatic pools of light into the centre of the house that frame curated views to the sky.

The carefully restrained materials selection of concrete, glass and timber provide evocative yet understated functional spaces for family life.

Openness and generosity prevail while subtle zones created within allow intimacy and separation of uses.

Internally spaces flow creating a fluid sense of ease within. A tangible sense of sanctuary is prevalent.

Sustainability is integrated with high performance glazing, thermal massing and concealed solar panels on the roof. Detailing is simplified to respond to budget and minimise waste.

Palm house is a delicate balance between mass and weightlessness. An exploration in form and light a sense of restraint prevails.

Expressive yet understated, Palm House is within budget and has surpassed our clients expectations – an enduring family home that will last the test of time.

KEY PROJECT DETAILS

Our clients existing house was inward looking and dark and they wanted something open, generous and light that reflected their personalities.

The extension responds to our clients brief and allows them to maximize the full potential of the site.

The clients had a limited budget so our strategy for the project was to retain and make only small changes to the existing building fabric. This allowed sustainability to be integral to repurposing and extending the home.

We were then able to maximise the new works and concentrate budget on practical elements such as the kitchen, walk-in-pantry, laundry and living areas where most of the time will be spent.

The extension, conceived as a ‘garden room’ sits within a lush new landscaped setting and reimages the dwelling’s residential context.

As you enter your eyes are drawn through an arched opening to the glazed light filled pavilion and garden beyond.

Large overhangs protect the house from solar gain and oculus skylights provide dramatic pools of light into the centre of the house that frame curated views to the sky.

The carefully restrained materials selection of concrete, glass and timber provide evocative yet understated functional spaces for family life.

Openness and generosity prevail while subtle zones created within allow intimacy and separation of uses.

Internally spaces flow creating a fluid sense of ease within. A tangible sense of sanctuary is prevalent.

Sustainability is integrated with high performance glazing, thermal massing and concealed solar panels on the roof. Detailing is simplified to respond to budget and minimise waste.

Palm house is a delicate balance between mass and weightlessness. An exploration in form and light a sense of restraint prevails.

Expressive yet understated, Palm House is within budget and has surpassed our clients expectations – an enduring family home that will last the test of time.

HOW DOES THE PROJECT SHOWCASE INNOVATION?

The house demonstrates a progressive approach to architecture through repurposing an outdated building with fluid form. An expressive curved concrete roof and flowing internal planning reimagine the way we live. Large overhangs provide solar protection and frame the landscape beyond. Oculus skylights provide unexpected pools of light into the interior of the extension and frame curated views to the sky above.

The existing house is dark and inward looking. By offsetting this outdated type of occupation with a new glazed pavilion the house has been given a new life. An exploration in form and light where a sense of restraint prevails. A delicate balance between mass and weightlessness is expressed through it’s organic materiality.

Detailing is simplified to respond to budget and minimise waste. Our approach was to retain as much of the existing building fabric as possible and remove what wasn’t essential in the new extension. A discipline where everything superfluous is removed.

An experimental use of concrete creates the aqueous roof form and provides large thermal mass. This was achieved through a wonderful collaboration between architect, engineer and builder. This template could be used in the future to provide new approach’s to built form.

Palm house innovatively takes rudimentary concrete construction and elevates it to a textured and highly expressive form that engages and contributes to it’s setting whilst adding a contemporary layer to the surrounding historic residential context.

Internally spaces flow creating a fluid and generous sense of ease within. The carefully integrated landscape nurtures and protects the inhabitants. A tangible sense of sanctuary is prevalent.

The unadorned concrete extension provides solidity and timelessness that will last the test of time. This is softened by the careful selection and integration of interior materials and furnishings. The result is an uncompromised and enduring architectural family home.

HOW IS THE PROJECT BENEFICIAL?

Sustainability and repurposing of the existing building was the catalyst for the project where everything is seamlessly consolidated within the building. Passive cross ventilation, thermal insulation, concealed solar panels, tanks for harvesting water and thermal massing are all integrated, yet remain unseen. External pergola’s, large overhangs and high performance glazing provide protection from the harsh Australian northern sun.

The careful siting on an irregular shaped block provided an opportunity for the house extension to be positioned due north. The new landscape surrounding the building also allows more efficient use of recreational and gardening spaces. A separate dedicated services area for clothes drying, water tank storage and vegetable garden was concealed to provide for the practicalities for family life as well as allow onsite food production.

All of these carefully considered elements were integrated early into the design stage and allowed for sustainability to be achieved with a reduced carbon footprint.

Detailing is simplified to respond to budget and minimise waste. Retention of as much of the existing building fabric as possible was stipulated as part of our design methodology and what wasn’t essential in the new extension was removed. This discipline where everything superfluous is removed kept the budget in check and provided a sustainable framework for the project.

Light, air, sun and views into the surrounding garden create a nurturing and supporting environment for family life.

Internally spaces flow creating a fluid and generous sense of ease within. The biomorphic architectural forms provides inspiration, fluidity and tactility to everyday life and the gently curving walls provide a sense of security, warmth and comfort. The positive psychological impact this has to the occupants is undeniable.

Palm house is a sustainable and very functional family house that provides a sheltered and intimate backdrop to busy family life.

Architects: Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors

Furniture & Styling: Karyne Murphy Studio

Landscaping: Sophie McLean Landscape Design

Photographer: Lisa Cohen