This eye-catching architectural design emerged in response to the clients’ ambitious brief for a three-bedroom, two-bedroom home with open-plan living, dining, kitchen and study. The design also needed to take into consideration the long narrow block (34.4 x 6.1m), be complementary to the surrounds, respect the heritage and flood overlays, and close proximity of the neighbourhood trees. Phew!
Incredibly, all of these constraints resulted in a successful and striking outcome. The FIGR Architecture Studio team drew upon the existing form of the pitched roof to create a new, modern addition ‘with a playful and updated appearance’. The Silhouette House is now recognisable for its extruded roofline, that is an exaggeration of the pre-existing form. By avoiding the fussiness of eaves or decoration, the clean line casts an impressive shadow!
This new envelope also creates generous internal space, and maximises natural light. The architects explain that insertions into the black metal shroud create connections to the outdoors, and ensure warm sunlight permeates the internal spaces.
Internally, a sleek materials palette of timber, black and white laminate, white and terrazzo tiles, and marble ensure this home is robust and hardwearing. Meanwhile, outside, the black ‘standing seam’ metal cladding of the exterior offers a striking contrast to the shiplapped timbers boards and timber doors, and red brick paving (using existing bricks from the old shed) creates a tangible connection between the old home and the new.
