interior + exhibition   home+studio  |   spring hill  |   2003-2009

     

On a tight inner city residential block measuring 10x20 metres the replanning, refurbishment and extension of this historic 1875 worker's cottage re-engineers the house to accommodate 21st century living requirements. This refurbishment aims to preserve the historic nature of Spring Hill for future generations by striving to maintain the original integrity and invigorates with contemporary ideas. The weather board timber structure of the worker's cottage is respected through contrast. A new ground floor plan falls out to a rear private courtyard. This lower section constructed from concrete symbolically ties the building inextricably to the ground. Visual separation of the historic timber structure above the new base is achieved by incorporating a frosted glass datum that sits between and visually floats the old house when illuminated. It is hoped that this residence will guide future sustainable refurbishments of the dwindling historic dwellings in the area.