Northern Exposure

A home extension, created by three new forms strategically placed to create six distinct spaces, while establishing a relationship with the rear garden. This relationship is achieved by the use of sliding screens, which can be opened in any permutation both internally and on the envelope of the building. The scheme manipulates light in a coherent fashion and provides for the functional requirements of a family home in a meaningful place.

Building on the north side of the house was determined by the need to retain the clear building line on the early 20th century boulevard, Griffith Avenue. This required the extension to be placed as far northwards as possible in order to bring the new spaces outside existing shadow lines, while retaining a clear architectural form and relationship with the existing condition. The upper floor elements are arranged in a box which is suspended between two brick forms on the ground floor that contain the separate elements of the ground floor. Materials are chosen and arranged to reflect and to give value to the memory of the existing condition.

The first floor box is positioned in order to allow light reflect into the centre of the building. The arrangement of the ground floor forms is such as to create a series of indoor and outdoor spaces between. This creates two internal courtyards. Planes between the three boxes and the existing house are selectively filled to create further enclosure. All elements are either of glass or timber and are movable, replacing the function of conventional doors while giving the opportunity to create many spatial arrangements. This is achieved by folding sliding and pivoting depending on the detailed execution of each element. The whole of the building sits on a stone plate that signals a new sequence of threshold on arrival.

The project supports the concept of intensification and diversity of the existing suburban condition in a meaningful way. Architecture of floors, walls, ceilings, and openings articulated to place man in a conscious relationship with his natural environment and enable lifetime use of the building for diverse family units. Thus, a sustainable approach is achieved.