sydney-based studio those architects has renovated a 1980s suburban bungalow in byron bay, australia, harnessing the subtropical climate of the area through whitewashed brick walls, an earthy palette, and a clever breezeway that links all internal spaces to the large garden. echoing a modernist sensibility, the house differs in form and structure from the local beachside architectural vernacular, employing lush indoor plants and a palette of natural materials to further blur the boundaries between inside and outside, and transcend the essentially suburban character of the site.

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
limestone paving references the area’s sandy beaches and provides a soft surface to walk on
all images courtesy of those architects

 

 

the family house is designed for a couple and their clan of young children, using robust materials that withstand daily use and the harsh coastal climate, particularly salt. those architects has retained part of the original dwelling – a typical 1980’s mass produced brick house, not at all charming, with ugly mid-brown brick, tiled roof, tiled floors, and cheap aluminum windows – at the front of the block, and used it to house the children’s bedrooms and service areas of the residence – bathrooms, laundry and storage. the main living spaces and principle sleeping rooms are oriented north, permitting summer winds to passively cool the interiors, while the southern elevation is shut down to protect the house from winter winds. additionally, those architects has used concrete slabs and brick walls throughout, which help to passively heat and cool the home throughout the year.

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
additional courtyard spaces are created on the eastern and western edges, providing spaces where the summer sun can be avoided throughout the day

 

 

‘byron is still a coastal town at heart,’ notes simon addinall, co-director of those, ‘the local architecture tends to be more “nests” than “caves” – so our work, which is essentially about volume and forms, stands out. we apply the same design principles here as we do in our urban sites in sydney, or inland, however, different climates produce quite different responses. summer is long in byron. you need covered, all weather rooms, not just pretty balconies – the sun is far too hot to be unsheltered.’ typical of the area,the site is both relatively long and narrow, measuring 16m x 40m with an east/west orientation. a generous courtyard acts as the ‘connector’ for the whole house, with all spaces open onto or access to it.

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
openings are limited, and used only where needed – generally to capture breezes or frame views

 

 

‘firstly, we identified the ideal locations on site to position the outdoor spaces in response to the passage of the sun. we then arranged the plan and developed the section to ensure strong connections between inside and outside, public and private space,’ says co-director ben mitchell. the bedrooms on the southern side of the house can all access the garden through the breezeway, whilst the other bedrooms, as well as the living areas, open directly onto it. at the rear of the site, behind the original house, a new two-story volume has been added, which remains mostly hidden from the street with only the top peeking over the existing roof line. the addition hugs the southern boundary, creating a generous, north facing courtyard. 

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovationa bank of casement windows open towards the NE to capture the prevailing summer breezes

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
brick was chosen to reference the original dwelling, with surface treatment of the bricks used to decipher old from new

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
large sliding doors invite the outside in, enabling inside/outside use of the home through the long warm summers

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation the hard exterior surfaces are softened internally through timber joinery, linen curtains and soft neutral tones

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
guest (or kids) bedroom

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
the lower floor contains a living/dining/kitchen space that opens out onto the courtyard, with a pool on the western edge

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
birch kitchen

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
on the upper floor there is the main bedroom suite for the parents – bed, walk-in-robe and ensuite

those architects links rooms and courtyards through breezway in 1980s bungalow renovation
new roof peeks

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom