Claudie's House

Claudie’s house embraces the core of what we love as architects – redesign, consideration of existing context and heritage, and the development of an invigorating new home for the client to thrive within. With the client also being the builder, great opportunities and logistics could be considered at every stage. This project encapsulates a timeless, elegant design that catered to their growing family, while adding a new historical layer to the neighbourhood. The new home needed to fuse the existing building fabric with a unique attention to detail and modern aesthetic. The design was created to take advantage of the site’s orientation, flexible living spaces, privacy, sunlight and air flow. The context of the home’s tree-lined street acted as a catalyst for the design, gifting the master bedroom and first floor living area with a beautiful leafy outlook.

A reinterpretation of the traditional carport allowed the garage to be concealed while creating a dual-purpose covered entry to the home. It’s subtle blend of lines ensures no distraction from the overall home design. Pitched rooves are typical in the Mayfield area, and the design pays homage to this and celebrates the success of the style, creating a modern interpretation of the suburban cottage. Careful consideration of the surrounding buildings ensure sunlight was captured to create rooms bathed in natural light through courtyards, clerestory windows and pitched roof profiles. The culmination of the design is a home that capitalises on every area, providing mezzanines within children’s rooms (through the clever use of underutilised roof voids), secret doors from the stair bridge, ample functional storage and large light filled living areas. The high functioning home design retains an elegant simplicity from the street front.

As part of this build, and to create a unique living environment many elements were personalised including finely crafted joinery, custom stair balustrades and numerous other fixtures. The strong and collaborative relationship between architect and builder (also the client) is a testament to the stunning end result and success of the project. With the client being the builder, they were able to manage all financial decisions quickly and successfully. The smart use of solar access, site orientation and shade spaces has created a home which capitalises on passive energy techniques. Strategic placement of windows and skylights throughout the main circulation and living areas reduced the need for artificial lighting and ensure privacy is maintained. The incorporation of a photovoltaic solar system powers the air conditioning and pool pump year-round. In addition to this low wattage lighting and energy efficient fixtures and fittings and home automation have been used throughout. The incredible relationship with the builder meant we could capitalise on opportunities presented during the build and take advantage of underutilised areas, and maximise the final result of a highly usable, unique and beautiful home that caters to a growing family. As an end note we are honoured that a builder of such calibre turned to us to help their vision come to life. The end result speaks for itself.