Archisoul was commissioned to develop a design for this original 1950’s red brick ‘ugly duckling’ home in Abbotsford. The original home was small with two bedrooms but in a great location, a stone’s throw from Hen and Chicken Bay. The original home design did not capitalise on this unique location, site, or outlook, with potential for views. The brief was to design a stylish and contemporary four bedroom family home on this compact site, to utilise the north facing rear aspect, linking an open plan living space with shaded external deck, pool and garden.
Spatial flow was a key driver for the design, creating a welcoming and connected home around a central courtyard. This courtyard is the hero, that links the whole house on both levels providing views from the central stairs and entrance door, as well as through the site from front to back garden.
Within the courtyard a deciduous tree allows solar gain to penetrate internal spaces in the winter, whilst providing shade from the harsh western summer heat and allowing dappled light to the interior. The living room at the front of the home, although a separate room to allow for quiet area, feels connected due to the light and visibility from the courtyard to all the downstairs living areas.
The second floor capitalises on the stunning harbour views on the western side from the master bedroom and second bedroom. The master bedroom has a resort style feel, a parents retreat, with a private balcony overlooking the pool, garden and views beyond.
Teaming up with Podology (Landscape Architects), the architecture and landscaping have been successfully integrated to create privacy from neighbours, usable social spaces, and views which change and delight throughout the seasons. A beautiful, but functional circular sculpture is the main feature at the front of the home, drawing curiosity to what lies within.
