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Architects: Brewin Design Office
- Area: 3500 ft²
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Photographs:Darren Soh
Text description provided by the architects. The addition and alteration to this existing terraced house converts the 3,500 Sq ft space into a loft by the introduction of a large triple storey void that connects the second and third floor to an attic space with existing wood rafters. The house completely opens up to the exterior through the use of bi-folding full height metal screens on both floors of the front and back facades. Without providing any glazing behind the metal screens and with the use of movable interior partitions, the large openings on both facades promote a consistent wind flow through all the interior spaces, while the screens filter natural light into the house. The ‘open’ concept throughout the house is juxtaposed by a full ‘screening’ idea that shuts the house into an enclosed box.
The ground level of the house is converted into a working studio with a separate entry, shielded behind a concrete wall. 4 meter tall perforated cement block walls protect the open spaces in the front and the back of the house, creating almost an exterior 'room' in the front and back yards. Loose gravel cover the front yard and 50mm thick black granite slabs are used as pavers leading to the entries from the exterior gate.
An additional balcony which faces the back garden is newly created on the 3rd level by cutting away the existing slab which previously stretched to the upper stair landing. A thick existing beam running the span of the new stair void is revealed after cutting back the slab, emphasizing the structural support beneath the new balcony. This in-between balcony space screens the open-air stair core and triple height void from the exterior.
