Banyula Park House
The design of this addition has transformed the rear of the existing house into a light, multi-functional space. The style of the house has moved away from a suburban brick dwelling to a residence that sits well in the context of the old township. The use of traditional forms, construction and materials strengthens the connection to place and family heritage.
BDAV Award Worthiness Statement, 2010
The additional living space maximises the view of the nearby trees, allowing natural sunlight to stream in, and accentuating the visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
A simple vernacular style and eclectic details reiterate the historical connections with the locality and the owner’s own family heritage.
Operating within a space-restricted site and very limited budget, the extension has ‘brought to life’ the rear of the house.
The site is adjacent to the Banyule State Forest and is in close proximity to the Murray River and Southern Cross Creek. The area is very strongly associated with the redgum milling industry in the early part of the 20th century.
Project Background
Over a decade has passed since we undertook this small-scale project within our office, and to this day it is a regular touchstone for balancing the needs of a client with the situational context and practical limitations of a given project.
Although the project was limited in scope, transformation that occurred to the residence was remarkable.
We were asked to design a useable and enjoyable indoor/outdoor living area within a limited amount of available space. The client’s brief was to create additional living space and to accentuate the visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
Site Context
The site is located within an area that is particularly old and has strong historical links to the development of the town for various reasons.
Adjacent to the Banyule State Forest and is in close proximity to the Murray River and Southern Cross Creek, the area is very strongly associated with the redgum milling industry in the early part of the 20th century.
The site is relatively flat and is subject to inundation due to its proximity to both waterways.
Design Response
The addition to the home combines traditional simple Australian architectural form and materials to create a living space that showcases the natural bushland, the owner’s appreciation for their environment and their own heritage.
The addition has ‘brought to life’ the rear of the house, flooding it with light and allowing a strong visual connection with the outdoor pool area.
Services Delivered
Design, project management, coordination of consultants, plans & documentation, town planning permit.
