Fremantle architects always feature on the podium at the WA Architecture Awards and this year was no different, even through the ceremony had to be conducted via video (you can watch it here.) Walyalup-based practices continue to shine in the residential category, with locals David Barr Architects, Philip Stejkal Architects , MDC Architects and Nic Brunsdon recognised for great design.
Whether an addition or a whole house, each of the awarded projects demonstrates the value an architect brings to the task. Clever thinking can transform space without attaching a huge price tag – ‘architect’ doesn’t mean ‘big and expensive’.
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations an Additions)
Marine by David Barr Architects
Photographer: Jack Lovel
What’s the project?
‘Marine’ is a rear addition to a heritage brick cottage on a corner block in South Fremantle. The plan is straightforward – a kitchen and dining space on the ground floor; a master bedroom, bathroom and terrace above. Joined to the existing house by a corridor, the addition appears as a freestanding dwelling.
What the Awards jury said:
‘This project is an exemplar which balances direct and hardworking ideas of architectural making with a small scope and a modest budget’.
Why is it good?
The new build looks very much at home next to its older neighbours, a result of appropriate materials selection and scale. Constructed from brick, concrete and timber, the design takes its cues from the elongated windows and textures of the attached and nearby dwellings.
The plan makes the most of the site. The downstairs space opens onto a sun-drenched, north-facing courtyard paved with recycled bricks. Windows are positioned to take advantage of views in all directions, and louvres allow for the sea breeze to be captured yet controlled.
The beautiful interior carries the outside materials in. Concrete floors and benches are complemented by a high, pale timber ceiling and finely-crafted joinery that lends refinement, warmth and cohesion.
This is a light and breezy coastal home that feels very much of its place. Casual and inviting, yet sophisticated and stylish, it’s easy to imagine settling on the built-in bench in front of the louvres with a cold drink and a book and being cooled by the sea breeze.
‘Marine’ is shortlisted in the upcoming 2020 Houses Awards, alongside another David Barr project, King Residence. The practice’s Gen Y Demonstration Housing Project at WGV from 2017 has been highly awarded at a national level for design and sustainability.
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Megalong by MDC Architects
Photographer: Dion Robeson
What’s the project?
Alterations and additions to a 1940s workers’ cottage in Nedlands. Working within the existing house and 90s extension, spaces have been re-organised and re-purposed to be more functional and create better circulation. A ‘mega long’ hallway now goes all the way from front to back door.
What the jury said:
‘The carefully curated sequence of adaptations pulls the project together into a single, staged and cohesive whole’.
Why is it good?
A simple design decision is the key to the success of this project. A central bathroom that blocked the front half of the house from the back has been removed and converted to a hallway. This has opened up a visual and physical connection through the house. It also allowed the kitchen to be opened up to bring more light into the home.
Open shelving between the new hallway and the kitchen adds additional visual connectivity between internal spaces.
The front living room has been transformed into a rich, timber-lined study. Timber is used as a common material throughout the house, along with translucent materials that complement the existing structure.
An open timber fence between the back garden and rear laneway makes the back yard feel more generous and improves the otherwise unappealing laneway. This makes Megalong a ‘good neighbour’ by contributing positively to the wider precinct.
A sculptural rear carport uses a timber batton ceiling and translucent roofing to maximise natural light and forms part of a well-defined second entry to the house.
Read more on this project in the current issue of The Architect,
MDC Architects is a small Fremantle practice with a focus on creating quality residential projects. At last year’s awards MDC received a Commendation in the Alterations and Additions category for the Broome Street Apartment.
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) and Award for Interior Architecture
North Perth House by Nic Brunsdon
Photography: Ben Hosking
What is the project?
This new house on a small, narrow block took an unusual approach to design and construction. Working with pre-cast concrete panels and a limited palette of materials, the result is a unique home for clients who were inspired by small-footprint Japanese living.
What the Awards Jury said
‘Innovation with design rigour is applauded.’
Why is it good?
Architect Nic Brunsdon has created something truly original at the North Perth House.
To deal with the difficult infill site, the two storey house was constructed using custom precast concrete panels punctuated by arches. Some arches are left open, others are filled in with either timber or translucent panels.
This imaginative approach has delivered a series of dramatic and surprising spaces. Larger, open spaces washed with gentle light contrast with darker, more intimate spaces, creating a rich experience of different moods.
The North Perth house will be featured on Grand Designs next year and is shortlisted in the 2020 Houses Awards to be announced in August. Last year, Nic Brunsdon’s design for The Ting hotel in Bali was a Finalist at the 2019 World Architecure Festival.
The WA Lighting Award
South Terrace Mezzanine House by Philip Stejskal Architecture
Photographer: Dion Robeson, images supplied by Detail MC
What is the project?
A new mezzanine floor in the roof space extends this home – once a corner store – to create a generous home-office. The addition takes advantage of ocean views and breezes, and cleverly funnels light down into the rest of the property.
What the Awards Jury said
‘A delightful and striking interior which bears evidence of a thoughtful design process incorporating artificial and natural lighting designed with intent from the outset.’
Why is it good?
The considered approach demonstrates how an architect can think beyond the brief to deliver more than what was asked for. The addition provides additional space, and with it, delivers additional light to the entire home.
The new build isn’t just plonked on top of the shop – driving past you might not even notice it. Built back from the property’s edges, its scale doesn’t impact on the streetscape.
A series of windows with external shade louvres floods the new mezzanine with natural light, capturing the sea breeze and providing cross ventilation. The abundant light is directed into the lower parts of the home through the use of voids and steel grid mesh flooring.
Combined with carefully specified and integrated artificial light, the striking interiors look their best at any time of the day or night.
Philip Stejskal Architecture received the National Award for Alterations and Additions with their first project, a modest addition to a terrace house in Bellevue Terrace that was widely published and is currently for sale. Since then the practice has received multiple awards for its quality residential work.
