grotto studio's charred timber 'shadow house' extends perth cottage

a humble cottage revived in perth

Australia-based Grotto Studio completes a contemporary addition to a humble cottage in Perth, naming the project Shadow House as it recedes into the backdrop of the existing home, which the design team notes dates back to 1900. The extension is finished with charred jarrah, a timber native to southwest Australia. The design takes full advantage of natural light and its interaction with the surroundings. The expansive living area, extending southwest to northeast, features a raking roofline that captures the morning sun, infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. With this strategic positioning, the living is engulfed with jacaranda trees, and flooded with warm afternoon sunlight.

images © Jack Lovel | @jack.lovel

the charred timber ‘shadow house’

Within the southern corner of the Shadow House, the architects at Grotto Studio locate separate studio with a private courtyard which offers a peaceful guest suite. The interior of the studio boasts a rich, dark timber lining, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort. Nestled between the living area and the studio, an airy atrium serves as a buffer zone, providing a breath of fresh air and views into a courtyard wrapped in jarrah wood.

Among the most important features of the project is its integration of old and new structures, which adapts to the original layout and lends a diverse collage of atmospheres. Throughout the day, these spaces are transformed by ever-changing sunlight, spotlighting the raw materials used in construction. The thoughtful design of these spaces fosters a sense of fluidity, allowing daily living to flow without impediments.

grotto studio celebrates sustainable living

The core concept which drove Grotto Studio’s Shadow House was to create a living experience that fully embraces its natural context while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. By skillfully merging the old and the new, the architects have succeeded in crafting a space bathed in natural light, where occupants can connect with the landscape, created with the help of landscape designer mkticks. The use of reclaimed materials adds an environmentally-conscious dimension to the architecture, inspiring both the occupants and visitors to appreciate sustainable living.

charred timber lends a shadow-like backdrop
a courtyard is lined in warm jarrah wood the contemporary addition takes shape with dramatic sloping ceilings