Architecture

A Welcoming Renovation

A ‘renovators dream’ is usually a real estate code for ‘decrepit wreck.’ Today’s home was a dream renovation in the truest sense of the words – the architects were presented with a fully resolved architectural home, that simply required more room.

We chat with Tim Spicer about following the line of beauty and drawing upon the design of the past to inform the present.

Written
by
Miriam McGarry

The Shoreham House by Time Spicer Architects. Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Photo – Willem Dirk. Styling – Nexus Designs.

Writer
Miriam McGarry
24th of January 2019

When architect Tim Spicer first encountered the Shoreham House, he was drawn to the design of British architect Hugh Tuffley. The owners also loved the property, but it no longer met their needs, after inhabiting the home since the early 2000s. Tim explains ‘additions and renovations often involve working on houses that are either past their prime or as the classic “doer-upper.” To have the opportunity to add to an already gorgeous house, and to be inspired by another architect’s work was quite unique.’

Connecting the old and the new required a sensitive approach, that promoted unity and didn’t introduce the ‘obvious signature of new architects’.  Tim and his team elected to continue the clean lines and material palette of the original design, to create continuity across the site. A glazed bridge walkway physically and visually links the old and the new, and cordons off a sun-filled courtyard garden, between the master and the guest wing.

Tim explains that the original layout was disorienting to new guests, as the entry point was unclear. The architects worked to design a new covered walkway, with subtle cues of lighting and landscapes to invite visitors to the front door. Visitors have also been made to feel welcome with the addition of an entirely new guest wing. Welcoming with open arms!

Council zoning prevented this home from raising above a single storey, so the architects cleverly used the sloping site to manipulate the space. Tim and team designed a ‘slow stair’ over a low gradient to extend that journey between point A and B. This leisurely transit moves between ‘the ground floor courtyard and roof deck, encouraging the occupants to take their time and enjoy the journey and surrounds as they rise to the ocean view amongst the trees’ Tim explains.

The design intent of this renovation was to create a unified building, where the strong aesthetics of the original building are carried through to inform the new additions. Tim enthuses ‘we wanted to update what was already – in our opinion – a beautiful house, yet make it feel like it has been built at the same time.’

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