‘brisbane street additions’ by rad architecture, perth, australia image © andrew pritchard all images courtesy of rad architecture

upon the local authority’s request to decorate a large visible separating wall, australian firm rad architecture responded with the ‘brisbane street additions’ in perth, nominated for the ‘houses’ category in the WAF 2012. the street level contains social functions that include eating, gathering and recreation which exist in a progression of spaces defined by both the interior and exterior. the upper and lower floors are assigned to private sleeping rooms. a full-height steel tower for vertical circulation connects the two structures that collectively make up the dwelling.

a series of overlapping pre-cast concrete slabs are stacked at various angles lean diagonally on one another contrasting strongly with the traditional orthogonal order of the existing residence. corten geometries punctuate the design inside and out, adding to the raw material palette. thermal mass plays a large role in passive heating, while emphasis was placed on rainwater purification from the roof collection and greywater harvesting from the terrace and lower courtyard. photovoltaic cells and ample windows cut down on electrical energy consumption. surface finishes were treated with longevity in mind, designed for function with minimal upkeep, and the flexible plan can be re-adapted to future needs.

rad architecture: brisbane street additions (left) ground floor terrace (right) downstairs bedroom images © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions basement courtyard image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions exterior images © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions kitchen image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions kitchen image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions (left) bathroom (right) stair detail images © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions upstairs hallways image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions upstairs bedroom image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions textured concrete slab at the head of the bed image © andrew pritchard

rad architecture: brisbane street additions installation of concrete slab

rad architecture: brisbane street additions floor plan / ground level 1. entry 2. hallway 3. guest room 4. study 5. bathing 6. sleeping 7. media room 8. food preparation 9. eating 10. terrace 11. courtyard and bathing 12. courtyard 13. garage

rad architecture: brisbane street additions floor plan / upper level

rad architecture: brisbane street additions floor plan / lower level

rad architecture: brisbane street additions east section

rad architecture: brisbane street additions west section

rad architecture: brisbane street additions south section

rad architecture: brisbane street additions north section

rad architecture: brisbane street additions elevation