Arts Project Australia – Sibling Architecture

Arts Project Australia by Sibling Architecture

Arts Project Australia — a proud, strong, and unapologetic social enterprise — is central to contemporary art practice in Melbourne through providing art studios and services for artists with intellectual disabilities. This upgrade to its entrance and reception celebrates APA’s contribution to the arts by providing a warm hug to the artists upon entry.

Crossing over the threshold from the street, a sense of calm is instilled with a white and green palette. This tranquil feeling is extended through circular forms that spot behaviour by indicating pathways and seating places.

Guidance is also provided through safety elements, such as the handrails, which are revered in bold green.

Not everything is deterministic in this space. Flexible furniture allows for different occupations (for classes, workshops, social gatherings, and events) while programmable LED lighting irradiates different moods, including if you are feeling blue, or pink.

An art-box lintel above the front door also allows for a changing display for over 150 emerging, mid-career, and established artists that work in the studios.

A sense of belonging is integral to being part of civic life, and art has an important part to play in this process. The upgrade to APA in Northcote put art, and artists, upfront, and in doing so, contribute to the civic life of these artists and the high street of Northcote.

ABBOTSFORD, AUSTRALIA
Architects: Sibling Architecture
Area:100 m²
Year:2020
Photographs: Christine Francis
Manufacturers: Laminex, Plyco, Commercial Systems, Duratec Eternity, Forbo, MPS Paving, Maxiply, Ripple Iron, Wattyl

written by : Hana Abdel
23 Jan 2022
published in : archdaily.com

Gallery of Arts Project Australia - Sibling Architecture

Arts Project Australia — a proud, strong, and unapologetic social enterprise — is central to contemporary art practice in Melbourne through providing art studios and services for artists with intellectual disabilities. This upgrade to its entrance and reception celebrates APA’s contribution to the arts by providing a warm hug to the artists upon entry.

The Quarterdeck by Studio Gorman

The Quarterdeck by Studio Gorman

The Quarterdeck by Studio Gorman is a mid-century home nestled into a secluded bushland setting in Sydney’s Sugarloaf Bay.

It was essential that the integrity of the original 1950s architectural house was maintained and revered, whilst also integrating all the latest technology and services to bring the home into this century and beyond. Quarterdeck was reimagined for a tech ‘guru’ wanting to create a family home for himself and his three teenagers. The brief required that the home be doubled in size while simultaneously ensuring it would feel cosy when the client was living there alone, as well as functioning seamlessly when hosting a dozen or more extended family members staying at any one time.

The concept for the interiors drew upon the original distinguishing modernist details of the home. The butterfly roof, exposed structural steel beams, shiplap panelling to the front façade, bagged brick interior walls, and original timber 1950s windows and doors were restored, then subsequently the unique characteristics of these original features informed the design response. Subtle shipping references incorporated by the original 1959 architect, Glynn Nicholls, were also restored, such as the fine steel wire balustrading to the upper deck.

The client’s relaxed lifestyle and his beloved yellow kombi, known as Little Miss Sunshine, were further inspirational springboards for the project. Little Miss Sunshine was parked behind a fixed glass viewing panel adjacent to newly relocated central stair, allowing glimpses of her sunshine form whilst passing through the home. The interior designers played with colour – referencing Mondrian palettes, primary blue, red and yellow were sparingly introduced as bold brushstrokes, which were layered over a base of limed and natural oiled American oaks and lashes of white.

Needless to say, the bushland setting was also an enormous inspiration in the design response for the outdoor areas and in the master suite, which virtually hangs in the surrounding bush of Sugarloaf Bay.

Memorable, playful moments designed into the home are a further unique feature, including allowing the combi to be viewed via the stair, the sunny yellow children’s bathroom and a cave-like hidden cellar behind bookshelves, all of which respond to the client’s playful, relaxed personality. The cellar, with its complex secret entry operated by movement of a special book on the shelves is lined with recycled timber. A moody escape was crafted to juxtapose against the fresh white palette throughout the main home, while incorporating the client’s love of tech, surprise, and red wine.

There were challenges around the sheer size of the desired final home to accommodate extended family on visits to Australia, whilst also consciously working to keep the integrity of the original, much more modest modernist home, and particularly to maintain the humble original façade. Two new wings were designed by the architect to feel like natural extensions. Studio Gorman’s role as interior designers was to manage materiality throughout both the interior and exterior of the home, to craft the cohesive look between new and original that they were seeking to achieve.

Further challenges for the whole team were working within the constraints of the council’s bushfire ‘flame zone’ rating, due to the house backing onto a bush reserve in Middle Cove. This challenged the exterior materiality as well as the overall configuration of windows and doors throughout the house. It also meant that two bathrooms, on the eastern side, could not have any external windows, making their design challenging in terms of introduced light to ensure it looked and felt natural.

SUGARLOAF BAY, NSW, AUSTRALIA

PHOTOGRAPHY Prue Ruscoe
STYLING Claire Delmar
ARCHITECTURE 8 Squared
INTERIOR DESIGN Studio Gorman
BUILD Arthouse Projects

19 Jan 2022
published in : thelocalproject.com.au

Gallery of The Quarterdeck Project by Studio Gorman

Shepparton Art Museum by Denton Corker Marshall

shepparton museum denton corker marshall

Shepparton Art Museum by Denton Corker Marshall

Text description provided by Denton Corker Marshall architects. The design of Shepparton Art Museum is characterised by simplicity and clarity, with compelling imagery creating a landmark cultural destination for Shepparton. It is located on the approach to the town centre, within a popular park within the flat Goulburn River Plain. The scheme was won in a limited competition. It includes an art museum, Visitors’ Information Centre, Kaiela Arts Aboriginal Community Arts Centre and a 150 person event space able to operate out of hours for conferences, weddings and social occasions, all within a 5,000m2 cubic form.

A restricted ground floor, required due to a floodway across the site, was turned into a design opportunity. The small footprint was extruded vertically over five levels to generate the distinctive small-and-tall art museum. This strategy maximises much-used park space, while also creating a beacon in the low, flat Shepparton landscape. The height also affords panoramic views from the rooftop events space across the lake and Goulburn Red River Gum Reserve beyond.

The design is ingeniously integrated into the park via a dramatic Art Hill, screening all building services, back-of-house and loading under the expanded parkland. The Art Hill has the advantage of effectively creating an upper ground level, enabling the museum cafe to enjoy an elevated outlook whilst being directly connected to, and accessible from, the park.
Internally, it is a highly legible, transparent and accessible museum experience, centred around an open, circulation galleria. The interior design – the relationship of spaces, intuitive wayfinding, logical relationships – are overlaid with contrasts of drama, reflection, outlook, introspection and discovery. Four different galleries, totalling 800m2, are accommodated.

Two of the galleries are designed to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers) Class AA standard to be able to accommodate exhibitions on loan from premium museums and galleries. This required dedicated AHU and preconditioners along with the building envelope, internal partitions and glass sliding doors being designed to higher airtightness requirements. Similar standards are applied to the preparation and conservation rooms and collection storage.

The facades of SAM comprise four thin floating L-shaped plates suspended in the landscape. They group together, at different heights and contrasting materiality, to form a composition at a scale comparable to the red river gums. By subverting the expression of built form into a composition of abstract sculptural elements, scale becomes indeterminate. This allows each facade plate to become a canvas, layered into the treed landscape of dappled light and shade, able to transform as a base for temporary installations or projection imagery as an integral rather than incidental characteristic.

SAM is a building whose physical form is surrendered to a shifting play of colour and patina changing with weather and time of day. It is simultaneously powerful and recessive. Each plate is an element in its own right, powerful enough to be eroded with a combination of large punched and smaller perforated openings where outlook, from within, is required. In effect, the building is conceived as a ‘land sculpture’.

Architects: Denton Corker Marshall
Area: 5000 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: John Gollings
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Britex, Erco, Rondo, iGuzzini, Caroma, Criterion
Builder: Kane Constructions
Services Engineer: Integral Group
ESD Consultant: Integral Group
Landscape Consultant: Urban Initiatives

written by : Hana abdel
18 Jan 2022
published in : archdaily.com

Gallery of Shepparton Art Museum Project by Denton Corker Marshall

Toorak Town Residence by Skulptur Architecture and Interiors

How can the client’s grand vision be achieved on a compact site? That was the challenge presented to Principal Architect Sophie Gilmore of Skulptur Architecture & Interiors with the Toorak Town Residence project.

Skulptur is a boutique architecture and interior studio based in Melbourne specialising in bespoke residences that exemplify luxury living. “Our design process is built on foundations of refined simplicity, uncompromising detail, and architectural craftsmanship,” says Sophie.

“We are committed and passionate to achieve exceptional and tailored outcomes for each client. Creating and refining each project is what we love to do, inside and outside of work.”

The studio’s philosophy of creating timeless architecture redefined for contemporary living is exemplified by Toorak Town Residence.

The project stems from an approach that Sophie describes as from first client meeting through to project completion “working towards a unique vision that carefully considers client requirements, adding generational value to be celebrated daily through luxury living.”

Skulptur has a strong emphasis on interior design which comes from Sophie’s initial studies in Interior Architecture at Monash University, prior to a completing a Master of Architecture at The University of Melbourne.

“With this background I tend to work in reverse to most architects, thinking about the interior planning first before focusing on the exterior,” she says.

“Taking a holistic approach of considering the interior design, architecture and landscape collectively marries the spaces together, creating highly considered homes. These values are instilled in Skulptur’s design principles.”

Working with a narrow, compact site, the two-storey Toorak Town Residence is the result of meticulous planning to maximise the sense of space and natural light.

A contemporary yet timeless architectural statement from the street is paired with a restrained interior palette of neutral materials, while carefully framed vistas that flow from each space create an uplifting inner-city sanctuary.

“One of the focal points of the client brief was to maximise the dwelling footprint on the site,” recalls Sophie. “Working with council in the town planning stage enabled us to achieve 250sqm of internal space, on a 170sqm site, while still having generous gardens.”

Located on a verdant Toorak street, the new dwelling abuts 1930s neighbours of varying styles. Equally honouring refined classical architectural principles and the luxury of the new, the residence now sits comfortably yet boldly in step with its neighbours, with the sculpted geometric form and vertical emphasis of the double-height glazing creating an elegant addition to the streetscape.

The interiors throughout are meticulously detailed and refined, befitting the rigorous geometry of the architecture while maintaining a timeless and classic aesthetic. Fine craftsmanship and careful material selection are evident upon entry, with honed limestone floors and Venetian plaster walls enhanced by detailing in timber and aged bronze.

Responding to the client brief to maximise natural light and green outlooks, the spaces within the dwelling are delineated by floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking landscaped terraces and courtyards, also designed by Skulptur. The consequent seamless integration of indoors and outdoors adds calming aesthetic layers to the home while also enhancing privacy from neighbours.

An embracing and functional central familial gathering zone ties together the home and its inhabitants. Says Sophie, “the warmth and richness of materials that emanates from the living spaces and adjoining kitchen are intended to create spaces that naturally draw the family and their guests.

” Complementing this approach, iconic furniture pieces upholstered in natural woven fabrics and silks and Australian artworks were carefully selected by Skulptur to further enhance and layer the materiality and liveable sense of luxury imbued in each and every space of this uplifting inner-city sanctuary.

Restraint and detailed design with careful selection of materials and finishes tie this project together, both inside and out. With its timeless aesthetic and cohesiveness of form and space, the home will be embraced and appreciated by the home’s inhabitants for years to come.

TOORAK, VIC, AUSTRALIA
PHOTOGRAPHY
Timothy Kaye

ARCHITECTURE
Skulptur Architecture and Interiors

INTERIOR DESIGN
Skulptur Architecture and Interiors

BUILD
Kabsav Projects

Penelope Barker

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Skulptur Architecture and Interiors

written by : Penelope Barker
17 Jan 2022
published in: thelocalproject.com.au

Toorak Town Residence Project by Skulptur Architecture and Interiors Gallery

South Yarra House 2 by Fiona Lynch

South Yarra House 2 by Fiona Lynch

The overall result of South Yarra House 2 by Fiona Lynch is a space that very much reflects the client’s playfulness and complements their eclectic art collection.

An emotive potency defines Fiona Lynch Office’s work. Incorporating architectural and interior design services, our atmospheric creations embody a spirited minimalism with a keen emphasis on custom joinery, furniture and lighting design.

Founded in 2013 by Fiona Lynch whose painterly command of colour and texture is infused within all her residential, retail, office, hospitality, institutional and hotel projects, inventive uses of space, captivating tonal explorations and tactile material selections harmoniously meld artistic instinct with considered poise.

“The brief given by our client for this Victorian Terrace was to create a space in which they could relax but also entertain guests.

When re-planning their dining and formal living areas, we played with textures and materials to create an engaging and flexible space. The approach is exemplified in the bespoke joinery alongside the fireplaces. The living area has open shelving of painted oak, lined in bronze, sitting atop marble boxes. The dining room joinery uses bi-fold doors with a beautiful circular solid oak handle detail, also sitting on marble plinths echoing the living area. The overall result is a space that very much reflects the client’s playfulness and compliments their eclectic art collection.”

17 Jan 2022
published in: fionalynch.com.au

Gallery of South Yarra House 2 by Fiona Lynch

The White Lookout by Biotope Architecture

The White Lookout by Biotope Architecture

Text description provided by Biotope Architecture. Post-war Australian architecture in the 1960s was dominated by the Beachcomber, an affordable, open plan family home. In Tasmania, however, it was a slightly different story. Although the houses were influenced by the Beachcomber style, they were made with materials that suited the climate, involving more masonry than what was used on the mainland. The White Lookout is an alterations and additions project for a professional couple and their growing family inspired by the iconic Beachcomber and the spectacular location with impressive views of the Derwent River.

The existing 1960’s home is considerably set back from the front boundary, resulting in a largely unusable and exposed front yard. To remedy this, we designed the extension to the front yard using a combination of timber cladding and slatted screening, also adopting slatted fencing around the much needed additional play and entertaining area for the family.

The slatted screen to the new extension has a dual purpose: it screens the stairs and provides shade from the summer sun to the newly added bedroom, which opens out to eastern water views and to the north for solar gain.

For the additions, our material palette inspiration came from the painted masonry, timber cladding and concrete stairs of the original house. The new bedroom, ensuite, garage and stair are infused with 1960’s and Beachcomber sensibilities, while a parapet roof works to maximise views and minimise the height from the neighbouring properties.

The white Lookout Project Details

Architects: Biotope Architecture + Interiors
Area: 60 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Joe Grey

written by : Hana abdel
12 Jan 2022
published in : archdaily.com

Gallery of The White Lookout Project by Biotope Architecture + Interiors

La Trobe University Library by Kosloff Architecture

La Trobe University Library by Kosloff Architecture

Text description provided by Kosloff Architecture architects. The library typology has changed tremendously over the past 5 years. We worked closely with the leadership group of the library to create an interior that supported a conceptual shift from ‘collection’ to ‘connection.’ This project fundamentally involved the reworking of an existing shell to create a new library for the community of La Trobe University, Bendigo.

Spread across three levels, the scope included an entry gallery, consultation rooms, ASK La Trobe information pods, postgraduate lounge, board room and integrated display of the seminal ‘Sandhurst’ book collection (the main book collection is elsewhere in the building. The client was keen to challenge the concept of a traditional library. We embraced the possibility of a new typology with a focus on facilitating community ‘connection’, rather than just spaces for book ‘collection.’

Working within an existing shell is always highly challenging. The project budget was extremely constrained for a fitout of this nature and scale, and a clear hierarchy of investment needed to be established in order to deliver the functional aspects of the project without detracting from the overall concept. Rather than seeing this as a problem, we chose to see this as an opportunity to leave parts of the interior undefined and full of possibility, suggestive of a future imbued with optimism.

Our aesthetic approach was to leave key elements such as the existing ceiling infrastructure and vermiculite coated steel structure untouched and unadorned. The new architectural interventions were treated as installations clearly distinguishable from the shell, with autonomous objects separated from the ceiling and floating from the floor. Cascading pods adorn the grand stair from the main entry, formed by semitransparent, glass structures that house the secured book collection.

Their blurred spines contribute the only colours of the space, reimagining them as artefacts surrounding the central stair that links the levels. Arrangements of clear, mirrored, and reeded glass create a kaleidoscope of reflection and transparency throughout all levels, blurring the figures of occupants as they make their way up through the interior. It felt fitting to us that a newly defined library space might literally be a reflection of itself.

La Trobe University Library Project Details

WODONGA, AUSTRALIA

Architects: Kosloff Architecture
Area: 3150 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Derek Swalwell
Client: La Trobe University
City: Wodonga
Country: Australia

written by : Hana Abdel
12 Jan 2022
published in : archdaily.com

Gallery of La Trobe University Library by Kosloff Architecture

Yandoit Cabin by Adam Kane Architects

Yandoit Cabin by Adam Kane Architects

Adam Kane Architects designed Yandoit Cabin as an eco-home for an artist to live and work within the surrounding gumtrees.
Situated in north-west of Melbourne, the house is tucked into the bushland and carefully composed of a series of grids. Yandoit Cabin locks these together with low-maintenance materials to create a form that works with the surrounding environment. Crucial to the build were self-sustainable factors allowing for off-grid living and minimal impact on the site.

The materiality of the external cladding is accentuated by the simplicity of the form, while the burnt umber tones of the building complement the natural palette of the surrounding bush. The metal cladding reflects and absorbs the light and patterns of the sky, enhancing the aesthetics of the cabin. The result is a building in constant flux – with revolving reflections of the transition from day to night, the home becomes a piece of sculpture accentuating its environment.

The sculptural qualities continue with the asymmetrical shape, that sees the cabin sit sympathetically yet confidently within the gum trees. The south side of the building is dominated by a block of concrete that begins to format the space, with the block visually grounding the house and giving strength to the metal façade. Functionally, this concrete mass acts as the entrance to the house, and creates a separate area concealing the bathroom and private courtyard.

In the living area, the grids of white-washed plywood can be opened to reveal the kitchen, laundry, and storage. The clever use of timber concealment ensures the space is clutter-free, creating a peaceful environment allowing the artist to reflect on the environment just outside. The minimal interventions are highlighted by concrete walls, floors, and sharp black steel accents.

While the project is to an extent closed off from the external landscape, with only a select few openings, it is strongly connected with nature. A skylight dominates the centre of the internal irregular forms, as the angles of the ceiling converge towards light that rushes inwards.

A bedroom in the mezzanine sits below the asymmetrical roofline, accentuating the height of the interior living space. Contrasted with the sense of enclosure and protection, the beam of sun from the skylight becomes an intense beacon providing connection with the outside world, while the strategically positioned windows frame views of the bush outside.

The orientation of the cabin ensures passive solar heating and cross ventilation are maximised, taking advantage of sunlight for heat and lighting. The use of concrete floors and walls generates thermal mass, meaning only a wood-burning fireplace is needed to heat the home. With the design ensuring the home functions sustainably off-grid, durable minimalist materials prevent the demand of constant upkeep in the wild weather conditions.

Minimal of impact yet remarkable in effect, the Yandoit Cabin is a sculptural reminder of the beauty of the natural world and to need to preserve it.

written by : EMMA-KATE WILSON
11 Jan 2021
published in : thelocalproject.com.au

Gallery of Yandoit Cabin by Adam Kane Architects

Gawthorne’s Hut by Cameron Anderson Architects

Gawthorne’s Hut by Cameron Anderson Architects

Text description provided by Cameron Anderson architects. CAARCH was engaged by the client to design a small boutique accommodation offering on a rural property close to the town of Mudgee. Gawthorne’s Hut was born in the midst of the NSW Drought to assist the landowner to develop a diversified income for the property that was until now 100% reliant on a traditional cattle breeding and grazing model. The project’s intent was to create a unique and sustainable tourism experience that responds directly to the history and context of the property.

The angled galvanized clad shell and rich timber-lined interior reference the predominant rural vernacular of hay sheds and outbuildings and in particular the existing hay shed that was destroyed by a storm in 2017. The angled roof form of galvanized steel is both a reference to the relic of the existing shed and also the client’s desire to accommodate the solar array on the building. The angled form is emphasized internally through a blackbutt lined ceiling which also frames the valley views to the East.

The recycled bricks have been meticulously repurposed from the only surviving part of the original cottage on the property, the fireplace. The recycled brick wall within the space is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the existing chimney while also allowing services to come down from the ceiling and provide a degree of separation to the bathroom.

The stack bond coursing emphasizes the fact that the bricks are no longer load-bearing. The overall material palette is warm & inviting, with natural black-butt timber used extensively inside & outside. Gawthorne’s Hut is named after the historical owner of the property Benjamin Gawthorne, the recycled bricks coming from the remains of his original cottage.

The property demonstrates to guests the opportunities of building smaller footprints and incorporating sustainable design elements. Incorporated in this project is an off-grid solar system and battery storage, 40,000 Litres of rainwater storage, Double glazed blackbutt windows and doors, thermal mass via a polished concrete slab, gas hot water, efficient bathroom fixtures, and passive solar shading via the Western buffer created by the services enclosure.

Stage 2 will see the addition of shading to western and southern glazing however the client is looking to assess the thermal performance over 12 months first before completing the works. Critical to the project is the concealment of the services so as to not detract from the picturesque rural setting and visitor experience. Great effort has been taken to conceal services out of sight with large galvanized clad door to the Western façade opening to reveal storage.

At only 40sqm in area, the minimal footprint of Gawthorne’s Hut was designed to make the most of the open-plan interiors & bring the landscape in. The orientation maximizes the views to the East & South. Openings have been orchestrated to prioritize certain views of the Mudgee Valley, such as that from the bath & the narrow window allowing a view from the bed.

Gawthorne’s Hut has taught us that sometimes the smallest interventions have the ability to make the biggest difference.

Gawthorne’s Hut Project Details

Architects: Cameron Anderson Architects
Area: 62 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Amber Creative
Manufacturers: Big River Group, Boral, Lysaght, Black Lab Solar, Stoddart
Builder: Callander Constructions
structural Engineer: Barnson PL

written by : Hana Abdel
9 Jan 2022
published in : archdail m y.co

Gallery of Gawthorne’s Hut by Cameron Anderson Architects

Hawthorn House by Rosstang Architects and Fiona Jack Interiors

Located in the inner east of Melbourne, Hawthorn House sees the reimagining of an existing family home, opening up to its newly crafted rear garden and layering in integral connections internally to reflect its owners. As is much the case with homes over time, the existing bones needed refreshing and being brought into a contemporary relevance, while still retaining elements of the original. Hawthorn House differs from most, however, in that its front face to the street has less of a presence, concealing the main structure of the home behind a high wall. Its unique frontage instead offers a sense of discovery and incites curiosity as to what awaits beyond, and a directive journey unfolds as one enters into the home. Combining forces, Rosstang Architects and Fiona Jack Interiors apply a layered approach, integrated the old in with the new.

On its treelined street, there is an air of mystery behind Hawthorn House as it sits concealed and set back from its neighbours by comparison. Upon approach, a garden is set at the front of the site, buffering the transition between public and private, while also creating a focused and secluded place of respite. Built by Henry Netherway Builders, the home is instilled with a sense of calm and restfulness, both from its initial moments and then carried through into the remainder and rear elements. Engaged to add a new life and vitality to areas that felt tired and worn, the team was tasked with what was referred to as ‘sparking joy’, seeking to elevate the home to reach its unfulfilled potential.

A similar sensibility is carried through into the interior, with concealed and revealing elements tucked into various spaces throughout. Doors throughout are also obscured, both creating separate zones and adding a similar feeling of surprise and discovery internally. A combination of low and high ceilings then creates moments of compression and release, emphasising a closeness and sense of intimacy while also encouraging a togetherness through openness. Warm and textural finishes are combined with smoother and more polished ones, creating a balance and continuing a diversity at the same time.
Unexpected in its reveal and approach, Hawthorn House is a carefully composed sum of parts. Rosstang Architects and Fiona Jack Interiors work together to allow the home unfolds as a series of parts in a meaningful journey through space.

HAWTHORN, VIC, AUSTRALIA
PHOTOGRAPHY: Hilary Bradford
ARCHITECTURE: Rosstang Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN: Fiona Jack Interiors
BUILD: Henry Netherway Builders
WORDS: Bronwyn Marshall
LANDSCAPE: Kate Seddon Landscape Design

3 Jan 2022
published in : thelocalproject.com.au