Victoria House

A double storey addition to an Existing semi attached Spanish mission Villa.
The brief on the small site was to make the most of site’s orientation and existing features.
When we got involved, the site had just been landscaped with pool completed.
The existing ground floor was made up of numerous renovations over the which had already maxed
out the site’s footprint.
With the recent addition of the pool there was not much we could really do in terms of built form to
the ground floor.
The intent was to keep the ground floor footprint. Clean and open it up whilst making the most of
the visual aspects of the pool, borrowed landscape and mainly the North facing aspect.
The elongated existing form and orientation of site played straight into our favour being able to face
the addition North.
We feel it’s important on these tight sites to increase visibility to the external elements to create
greater sense of space.
We have opened up the majority of the north facing facade with beautiful steel windows and doors
that picture frame and relate to each section internally and externally.
Considered joinery allows us to conceal as much amenity in the kitchen as possible, particularly
concealing a pocket door withing the cabinet design that leads to a scullery below the stairs.

A great orientation to allow us to maximise the northerly aspect.

The batten design has been taken from the existing landscaping to be carried through to the new built form. Not only be used as a feature cladding but to
screen views from the upstairs kids’ rumpus as well as shade the downstairs living area by breaking
the harsh Summer sun and allowing a dappled light through the ground and first floors. giving the
living space a sense of calmness through shadow play.
The battens lead us to the first floor where it becomes the kids retreat.
To kids’ bedrooms bookend a rumpus.
making the most of the north light. we have designed the rumpus to feel as if it open up to the
externals via glazed by a floor to ceiling bifold window / door.
With the battens proving shade as well as becoming a balustrade. Once open the space feels like it’s
within the borrowed treetops hovering over the below entertaining areas.
the doors allow the kids to completely open up the northern facade and turn the rumpus into the
large balcony.

- large batten eave overhung allows dappled light in the summer and then winter sun to punch through to living areas.
- low e glass
- use of existing pool in a passive colling detail to the living area.
- no west or south windows.
- outdoor entertaining area design with large floating overhang to west
- butterfly roof allowing maximum solar panel to north
- onsite renewable energy with max solar panels
- light external colors that reduce heatgain
- maximises existing dwelling footprint. with minimal demotion.
- durable australian made materials.

Expanding a home is a complex and detailed process, where every design element must be carefully considered. In this particular project, we aimed to infuse an overall sense of internal generosity that would underpin the approach. The goal was to create a space where the interplay between light and architecture would subtly alter throughout the day and enliven the space as a result.
To achieve this, the new works were designed to allow for and facilitate these interactions, which was key to the design. One of the biggest challenges in expanding this home was its narrow allotment.
However, the design team took this challenge head-on and focused on enhancing connections between the interior and the surrounding landscape. Through this approach, the new works aimed to create a space that was open and shared, reflecting contemporary liveability. In addition, the design included some interesting and unconventional elements that added to the overall beauty and functionality of the space.
For instance, curved details were carried forward from the original structure, creating a sense of flow and ease within the space. Furthermore, arched windows were inserted as a nod to the original Spanish mission stylings of the home, while deep window seats were included to enhance the connection between the existing pool.
The external design elements were also carefully considered to pay homage to the effortless facade of the Spanish mission villa. For example, the curved windows and shrouds referenced the arches on the porch, while the pitch roof referenced the existing form. To create a cohesive and visually interesting space, the arches were then taken through to the existing structure via custom mirrors within the bathrooms. Overall, the design approach was focused on tying the old to the new, while ensuring an openness that reflects contemporary liveability. The addition and reconfiguration of the floor plan allowed for the creation of an open and shared living and kitchen zone that spills out into the landscaped areas. The result is a space that is both functional and beautiful, with carefully considered design elements that create a sense of flow and ease.