Sheppard Wilson House

2016 Gadi Country / Bronte, NSW

Set well back from the street, beneath the towering limbs of a gigantic heritage-listed fig tree, the additions are in stark contrast to the original timber cottage in form and materiality.

In keeping with our objective of using passive means of cooling, the new two-storey rear section of living spaces and bedrooms is constructed in concrete and reverse brick veneer, maximising thermal mass where it is needed – on the inside of the building. This mass (of concrete and masonry) serves to significantly reduce daytime summer temperatures avoiding air-conditioning. Cooling afternoon sea-breezes flush out heat stored during the day. Large areas of north-facing glazing and solar-boosted, gas-powered hydronic heating provide winter comfort.

A protected and private north-facing courtyard is formed between the existing cottage and the rear addition. The living spaces open onto a lush rear garden and a little cabana formed from the old garage, in the shade of an enormous fig tree. Externally, the historic coastal palette of fibre cement and timber battens gets a fresh makeover with a rhythmic pattern of cladding and expanded mesh screens that skirt the fenestration and provide both shade and privacy.

The centrepiece of the extension is a concrete island bench that mushrooms out of the oak floor – the hub of good food and conversation.

2017 Houses Awards (shortlisted) – House Alteration & Addition over 200m2

Published

Houses Issue 113, December 2016
Housing magazine, May 2018

Project Team

Sam Crawford, Karen Erdos, Ken Warr, Aaron Leeman-Smith, Wendy James, Ellie Gutman, Benjamin Chan

Builder

Prime Form Construction

Consultant Team

Land Surveyors – Mitchell Land Surveyors
Structural Engineer – James Sutherland – Northrop
Quantity Surveyor – Matt Saunderson, QS Plus
Landscape Architect – Richard Elkan – Spirit Level
Hydraulic – ITM Design

Council

Waverley

Photographer

Brett Boardman