OATLEY HOUSE EXTENSION

Revitalising an Old Home Through Thoughtful Environmental Design

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Collaboration with meticulous clients often results in the most rewarding architectural transformations. WWAA had the privilege of working with Ms. Zhou, a client who approached her home renovation with exceptional diligence. Her trust and sincerity inspired the team to reimagine her dream home with dedication and precision.

 

One of Ms. Zhou’s favourite aspects of her home was the semi-outdoor space overlooking the backyard and pool, where she cherished the interplay of dappled sunlight, seasonal blossoms, and the gentle breeze rising from the water. However, inefficient circulation disrupted the flow, rendering the space underutilised.

 

A thorough site analysis revealed a series of challenges: a carport and garage that dominated the façade, an awkward entrance requiring stair access through a terrace, disorganised zoning, and an outdated, non-compliant swimming pool. While some architects advised a complete teardown, WWAA recognised an opportunity to revitalise the home through innovative design within a controlled budget.

 

To preserve the home’s character while maximising its potential, the team retained the primary structure and external walls, reconfiguring the layout to create a seamless connection between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Expansive glazing was introduced to bring the backyard landscape indoors, merging architecture with nature. A series of low, continuous window seats beneath large windows not only enhanced framed views but also provided flexible seating—ensuring the space felt welcoming for both large gatherings and quiet moments.

 

For this project, WWAA applied environmental design strategies:

 

1. Optimising Roof Design: The main living area’s roofline was raised towards the rear to align with the natural slope, enhancing daylight penetration and embracing the surrounding tree canopy. Additional glass louvres were incorporated above large windows to improve passive ventilation, complementing the timber louvres at the main entrance.

 

1. Enhancing Natural Illumination: Seasonal sunlight angles were carefully analysed to optimise natural lighting. Light shelves and a sculpted roof form were introduced to diffuse harsh direct sunlight, striking a balance between brightness, privacy, and energy efficiency.

 

The project also redefined the home’s street presence. The entry sequence was thoughtfully restructured to create a welcoming approach, positioning the main entrance in a more intuitive and visually prominent location. As visitors move through the foyer and ascend the stairs, their perspective transitions from a vertically compressed space to an expansive horizontal view of the backyard, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

 

Given Ms. Zhou’s extensive collection of books—including centuries-old European monastic manuscripts—WWAA designed a dedicated reading nook at her request. This intimate space serves as a daily reminder to embrace moments of reflection and intellectual enrichment, reinforcing the philosophy that a well-designed home nurtures both body and mind.

 

This challenging yet rewarding project exemplifies not only the revitalisation and value enhancement of a heritage home but also WWAA’s expertise in environmental design. As Ms. Zhou and her family settle into their transformed residence, this carefully curated space is set to foster cherished memories for years to come.