Sheppard Wilson House
2016 Gadi Country / Bronte, NSW
Additions are stark contrast in form and materiality.
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.
Built for Thermal Balance
The rear addition uses mass to temper heat.
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.
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“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.
Awards & Recognition
2017 Houses Awards
House Alteration & Addition over 200m2 - Shortlisted
Sheppard Wilson House Gallery
| Project info | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Sam Crawford, Karen Erdos, Ken Warr, Aaron Leeman-Smith, Wendy James, Ellie Gutman, Benjamin Chan |
| Builder | Prime Form Construction |
| Consultants | 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 |
| Awards | 2017 Houses Awards (shortlisted) – House Alteration & Addition over 200m2 |
| Published | Houses Issue 113, December 2016 Housing magazine, May 2018 |
| Completion | 2016 |
What we do
Houses
Thoughtfully designed homes that reflect how you live, now and into the future. We design spaces that quietly elevate how people live and connect. These are the qualities that define our work & create a lasting, positive impact. Learn more about our residential home architecture.
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