Cubby House
Extension & renovation of an apartment overlooking an adjacent public swimming pool.
The Concept
To provide additional floor area for an upper level bedroom/study space and new bathroom with the lower level acting as the main living space.Inspired by the 'raumplan'concept - designing continuous spaces for living rather than regularly divided floors with limited flexibility - the house has minimal doors and walls. Incorporating pool views and making it part of the interior, using reflection and raised planes - new surfaces at the rear of the space are reflective to enhance the ambivalence between interior and exterior.
Lower Level
Featuring a raised ceiling level and an elevated kitchen floor (as part of the staircase) to allow views out and to the pool whilst cooking, with a semi-enclosed balcony performing as part of the living space. A sliding reflective gold box acts as a lobby door, screening the toilet as well as comprising wine storage. This space also includes a bookshelf with an incorporated dog kennel.
Upper Level
New steelwork provides the structure for the new roof form, with a double height void running through the house to the new roof light.Left partly exposed, the steelwork & bracing create a dynamic with the new roof form. The angled ceiling to the bathroom pod enlarges the upper level space and integrates a hole punctured to allow for the shower. Overlooking the pool, the shower space also provides a view to the sky through the roof light. Glazed panels at each end of the bathroom heighten the presence of natural light and allows for views whilst maintaining a degree of privacy.
Rotating to create a small study or guest bedroom space, an OSB wardrobe with gold reflective plane facing the pool defines the bedroom space. A small external terrace provides a more private, intimate space to the bedroom area and provides natural ventilation through the house.
Materiality
A contrast is created between sharp lines and rough surfaces.Reflecting a neutral palette - reclaimed limed timber, OSB, sisal, vic ash and white concrete floor. Joinery elements include the bookshelf, sliding mirrored gold box, and rotating wardrobe element which acts as wall.