‘balmain archive’ by innovarchi, balmain, australia image © john gollings all images courtesy of innovarchi

australian firm innovarchi has recently completed the ‘balmain archive’, a functional update to a cottage in the sydney suburb of balmain, australia. after analysis of the context of traditional forms and building codes within the area, a strategy was developed to interpret the decreasing volumes of existing additions found on homes in a contemporary manner. dwellers first pass through the formal arrangement of the original dwelling and continue towards the rear of the property to find the informal and relaxed living spaces contained within a copper-clad structure.

wrapping the interior rooms, the canopy’s shape is derived from the triangular shapes found in hipped roofs. positioned to create privacy from the neighbors along the southern edge of the site, the geometric shell only opens along the northern elevation to overlook the garden planted with native vegetation. the opening within the facade allows for passive heating during winter while skylights introduce natural illumination throughout the year.

innovarchi: balmain archive copper-clad canopy blocks views from neighbors image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive (left) rear entry (right) aerial view of roof images © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive opening along the northern elevation opens to the native garden image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive flexible dining area for indoor/outdoor entertaining image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive outdoor kitchen image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive outdoor kitchen continues to the interior image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive indoor kitchen image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive view from the kitchen image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive perforated copper door image © john gollings

innovarchi: balmain archive floor plan / existing

innovarchi: balmain archive floor plan / level 0

innovarchi: balmain archive roof plan

innovarchi: balmain archive elevation

innovarchi: balmain archive elevation

innovarchi: balmain archive elevation

innovarchi: balmain archive diagram

project info:

architect: innovarchi engineer: TTW builder: grater constructions cladding: craft metals lighting: E-lux photographer: john gollings design documentation: 36 months construction: 14 months completion date: 15 december 2012 site size: 358.9m2 floor area: 83m2

project team: design director: stephanie smith, ken mc bryde project team: george bilmonm thomas haltenhof, rana abboud