This project exemplifies the Di Mase approach and philosophy in many ways. Our clients wanted to extend their small inner-suburban home via the addition of a parents’ retreat. They were keen to do so with sensitivity to both their own environment and that of their neighbours, and they wanted to maximise the relationship between the house and the outdoor areas. They also wanted to be involved collaboratively in the design process.

After experimenting with various arrangements, we created new internal and external spaces which relate to each other in interesting ways. The courtyard becomes the heart of activity, surrounded on three sides by the existing house and the extension. Daylight and views closely connect the new living area to the garden and courtyard. Placement of the extension to the north avoids overshadowing of the neighbours.

The approach avoided the typical addition of a large open-plan space, creatively providing a more flexible layout in which the family of four are able to live in harmony in their small dwelling. Each individual has their own space and aspect to the outside, while the family are able to gather together in the various communal spaces.

tags: family, residential, small

This project is a new house for a family with 5 young children and large home office. The project is unusual in that the client is also the builder who has built much of our work over the past 5 years. The site is a large block in a semi-rural location with beautiful views to the bay and city beyond. The site is sloping and the northern aspect is to the front of the block towards the street. The view, orientation and the sloping site meant that the design approach inverted the traditional sequence of spaces of front door, house and backyard.

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tags: family, media, new house, residential, space