MOSMAN
The central idea behind this project, was to breathe new life into a run-down and uninhabited 100 year old sandstone cottage, and to build an elegant, energy efficient and comfortable addition that makes the most of the garden, aspect and physical attributes of the site. This project has successfully saved a piece of architectural heritage, and has given rise to a well detailed, elegant and climatically responsive piece of contemporary architecture. The new addition does not dominate or overwhelm the original house and is not stifled or constrained by it either.
Where previously this cottage served a family with two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom, its is no longer adequate for the modern Australian family. However by re-using the existing cottage to house new functions the clients were able to afford a higher degree of finish throughout the new part of the house, without increasing the budget.
In the new addition, cross ventilation, natural light and rainwater harvesting have been fully utilised to create an energy efficient and comfortable living environment that opens out to the garden and pool. The cottage, though renovated to modern standards, has remained largely untouched in terms of layout and finish.
The fusing of old and new has more than adequately answered the client’s brief in terms of accommodation, private and public spaces and the relationship of house and garden, as well as meeting the clients’ budget.
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