David Barr Architect created this modern renovation in 2011 for a client living in Perth, Australia. Instead of using a hi-tech approach to sustainability, the designers focused on simpler ways to maximize efficiency which included reusing as much of the original home as possible. The project is formally manipulated to sculpt atmospheric and functional light into designed spaces thus turning an originally introverted residence inside-out.The external and internal form of the new work was manipulated to sculpt atmospheric and functional light into crafted spaces, thus turning the originally introverted residence inside-out. One enters, through a small light filled aperture located at the end of the generously volumed hallway of the existing residence. A large northern glazed & screened sliding wall, a considered eastern slither, filtered zenithal light and a southern clearstory window projected beyond the buildings edge. The character and memory of the existing cottage are maintained as the primary streetscape. Only subtle hints of the new addition are revealed between interstitial spaces when viewed from the streets edge.
