Fox Johnston

Home alterations and additions tend to operate around the common theme of old versus new: the conflict of classic and contemporary design; the dramatic contrast of traditional finishes and modern materials. Juxtaposition seems to be the rule of late, which must make the Kensington House the obligatory exception. Instead of following the trend, Fox Johnston decided to buck it, by avoiding the typical expression of contrasting new with old, and choosing instead to graft on new volumes in the same language as the existing home. And it does seem to make sense. After all, when you’re onto a good thing, why not stick with it?

The existing 1930s Californian Bungalow was in original yet excellent condition from the outset, boldly characterised by its dark red brick façades and simple, no-nonsense design. To complement these existing aesthetics, the new addition incorporates similarly robust materials of concrete, stone and of course, naked Bowral Blue brickwork, which is not a perfect match for the existing house, but then, it doesn’t try to be, and nor does it need to be. Unashamedly nestled into the rear of the existing house, the new volume really is a chip off the old block.

As well as aesthetic integrity, the existing home also contained generous bedrooms and hallways with intact original features. Furthermore, the clients loved their home – there really was no need to make any substantial structural changes. In truth, the only problem was the rear ‘lean-to’ addition, which housed a dilapidated kitchen and have all their wishes fulfilled.

Because the site is oriented with the main outdoor space to the south, there was a concern that the new volume did not block solar access to the rest of the home. This joint need for sunlight and visual unobtrusiveness is embodied in the full-height operable bifold timber frame glass doors on two sides of the new structure, which express transparency whether open or closed. With the addition of a large clerestory window looking north back to the main house, the new volume carries a sense of complete lightness and openness: a great achievement considering its stand-out solid brick character.

Once the decision had been made to work with brick – the designers had toyed with the possibility of a steelframe structure linked to the house via a bridge over a light-well – extensive research was undertaken to find contemporary bricking methods that would not disturb the seamless oldmeets- new interface. To this end, the final design features brick lintels on the large eastern and southern aspects, giving the impression of gravity-defying strength and lightness. The brickwork is laid using English bond, off-white mortar and lightly raked joints, with the soffits brick biscuits adhered to fibrecement sheets, fixed to the steel structure, then mortared in position. +

1 The new volume is a true extension of the existing home, creating a much closer proximity between the indoor spaces and the backyard. 2 Whether open or closed, the fullheight glazed folding doors ensure that the new space is always visually open. 3 This angle perfectly captures the seamless meeting of old and new, in the similar brickwork and complementary building styles. 4 The new addition is a borderline indoor/outdoor environment, suitable for indoor entertainment, yet at the same time similar in ambience to an outdoor patio area.

PHOTOGRAPHY by Brett Boardman