Lonsdale IV sits in a quiet, informal street.  Front fences are generally garden frontages with no kerbing and a scattering of moonah trees.  The original 1980’s duplex with a flat roof and a ‘dutch’ down turn has an efficient floor plan, central circulation spine and a lovely internal courtyard.

The project asked for better light to internal areas being absorbed into the floorplate. The gardens are beautifully established and to encourage this aspect into the interior was a considered goal from the outset.  Even prior to the ‘work from home mantra’, maintaining bedrooms for guests but providing a facility for a home workspace was an integral requirement.  Improved energy efficiency was a driver behind the renovations, as well as updating the interior spaces.

The existing residence was in good structural condition but needed a fresh approach and improved thermal performance. The functional layout was efficient and well suited to the owners needs and did not require substantial reworking.  A highlight roof was inserted deep in the floor plate to provide a sense of volume and brightness. A large section of the front garden was ‘reclaimed’ by essentially moving the point of public ‘interface’ towards the street. This permitted more glazing and the inclusion of a workspace into the newly created forecourt.

Photography by © Tony Evans