Bardon Garden House
Elevated at its street frontage, this interwar, double-gabled house has been extended into the north-facing, rear yard. The new living area extends seamlessly as a platform, without any discernible change in level towards the garden and the stately fig tree beyond, dissolving the delineation between inside and out.
"After extensive consultation with us Matt came up with a clever, interesting and practical design that has greatly enhanced our house and how we interact as a family. We could not have achieved the result we have without an architect. Matt showed a great respect for the character of the original Queenslander while introducing thoughtful, modern design elements to the extension. Our house has warmth, charm, character and it works at a very practical level."
Spatial contrasts co-exist in the building. Light, high-ceilinged, open-plan living is balanced with intimate seating nooks. A delicate floating roof facilitates movement of air and light whilst patterned brickwork grounds the building. Reorganising the function of rooms in the existing house has resulted in a clear distinction between the common living areas of the new extension and the more private spaces in the old part of the house.
The family’s evolving needs have also been carefully considered. A central breezeway will later integrate a crafted stairwell, enabling future expansion to the lower level, accommodating more bedrooms and living space.
