TREE HOUSE
This home extension, built during COVID, was a fun collaboration between its creative owners and architect. The new rear wing and entry carport were designed to accommodate artworks, mid century furniture and objects and celebrate the leafy backyard and its private northern aspect. With a tight budget and commitment to sustainability, the footprint of new work was kept as compact as possible, compensated for by large window openings, generous ceilings and simple, refined details and finishes.
The home was featured during Sustainable House Day in 2021, 2023 and 2024 and was published in Sanctuary magazine #56 Spring 2021 "Space Upgrade".
Completed: 2020
House size: 169m2 internal including 76m2 new
Builder: Ian Williamson Builders
Structural engineer: Optimum Structures - Enda Lyons
Photographer: Christine Bickley
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES:
- Designed for passive heating and cooling - orientation, shading, thermal mass, insulation, thermal chimney, no openings to west
- Cooling assisted by ceiling fans. No airconditioning installed
- Generous insulation
- Vented roof cavity with full vented ridgecapping
- Solar hot water
- 5.6kW photovoltaic array - carport roof designed for optimum panel pitch
- Improved natural daylight
- Materials selected for minimal maintenance (galvanised cladding upstairs, minimal painted elements to upper floor, concrete slab)
- Recycled stairs and enclosure of carport with salvaged hardwood and windows
- External planting to assist with shading and cooling
- Inspired by the clients' fondness for Japan, this free-standing "tea house" steps down to the garden. Separation of the new structure maintains daylight and winter sun into the kitchen and avoided any alterations to the existing house.
