GSBN were engaged in late 2018 to extend a single storey brick home in Sydney’s Kingsford. The brief required the design to satisfy the needs of growing children (think privacy and sound deadening) and to bring to life the clients’ desires to entertain large gatherings of family and friends. After almost a year of design and documentation, the project saw many iterations; from a pool that pierced the façade to a dramatic skillion roof form that shaded the backyard to a transformable study and spare bedroom. Photography by Alessandro Belgiorno-Nettis.

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One feature has remained consistent throughout the project; a central juncture that pinpoints the heart of the new addition, defines the boundary between internal and external spaces and performs structural and material requirements necessary in bridging the old with the new.

The existing fireplace was seen by the clients as a crucial element in bringing the family together in the colder months of the year. This concept didn’t sit with us initially in terms of emissions and neglect of use in a temperate climate, however with new gas technology we were able to incorporate a contemporary gas-powered fireplace in to the design.

The recycled brick hearth acts as a plinth to display sculptures, books or a vase, growing up and around the fireplace to form a chimney that supports the new ridge beam. The raw materiality ties the new in with the old, and whilst it draws a figurative line down the middle of the house, it brings together the kitchen, dining and living spaces, ties the double height ceiling down to ground level and acts as the boundary between the internal and external spaces.

Existing bedrooms and bathroom got a little tickle to bring them up to scratch, a new bathroom and laundry was added, and a mezzanine space that doubles as a spare room and kids retreat cleverly fits in under the new ceiling rafters.