Salisbury Townhouses
Architecture Residential Melbourne, Australia
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Description
Our client inherited a set of six identical 1960's flats in Blackburn, a coveted middle ring suburb. Through investigating the development potential of the site it was decided that renovation of the existing dwellings would yield the best results.
Our challenge was to provide an articulated outcome that would sit comfortably in a very suburban context. For us, texture and colour became important devices. The existing brickwork was bagged and painted, with the new first floor clad in timber. Black windows and screens provide linking elements between the ground and first floor to tie these old and new elements together.
One of the most important considerations of the project is that it is an alteration project - an addition to existing dwellings. It became important to reuse as much as possible; then adding the upper floor whilst positioning that in a sensitive landscape that adhered to the suburban overlay.
Questions and Answers
Are there any key design features to highlight?
The details of the project and how all the materials come together: there's the brickwork, there's the timber cladding and the windows and they all kind of meet on this very critical four-point junction.
What was the brief?
Our client inherited a set of six identical 1960's flats in Blackburn, a coveted middle ring suburb. Through investigating the development potential of the site it was decided that renovation of the existing dwellings would yield the best results.
What is the relationship of the built form to the context?
There is a very strong relationship between the built form and the context. The existing site conditions required that the footprint remain the same. The timber cladding to the first level sits really well in the canopy of the surrounding trees. Materials were chosen for their textural qualities, and skillion roofs used as part of ‘fitting in’ to the neighbourhood context. Careful alignment of materials and crisp detailing set it apart in its context. The stackbond brickwork used on the entry porches is evident on the neighbouring dwellings as well.
What did you learn from the process with Council that will inform your future projects?
Despite our best intentions we tend to find that councils seem to struggle with the idea of multi residential projects being re developed and often begin the process by assessing the proposal incorrectly. This project was no different, however, once council understood what we were trying to achieve, they were generally receptive to what we were trying to achieve and we were able to move forward.
We are now in a position to present case studies to council that demonstrate what can be achieved when we are dealing with projects of this nature.
What was your approach to planning and lighting (architectural vs natural)?
Council dictated that we were unable to change the footprint of the existing buildings. As each existing dwelling was 50m2, this dictated that that programmatically the living areas remained at ground level so as to connect with the external spaces. The new first floor has two bedrooms, both with bathrooms, and a small study area. The previously dark ground floor interior spaces have new large areas of glazing added to provide light and views, whilst the new bedrooms also have large areas of floor to ceiling glazing. Given its leafy location, it was important for us that the dwellings have a strong visual connection beyond the site.
What was the approach to sustainable design features?
Reuse of existing buildings – floors & brick walls
Small footprint living
High performance glazing
Floor, wall and ceiling insulation
Screening to windows
Natural ventilation
Details
| Completion date | 2019 |
| Building levels | 2 |
Project team
| Ben Ellul | ||
| Brett Nixon | ||
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NTF Architecture |