Vetera Novis House

The name of this house comes from the Latin phrase "vetera novis augere " (augment the old with the new) and this is what this project has done. My delightful clients, Stu and Heather, also doubled as the builders and the design process was a very collaborative one.
The existing house was a beautiful Queenslander in “Porch & Gable” style in the suburb of Greenslopes but there had been some additions that detracted from its charm. The ‘porch’ had already been built in and by previous owners and the proximity to the property boundary meant the front stairs doubled back on themselves awkwardly to fit in with the driveway. Only half of the existing footprint was the original house as there was already a ‘90s extension and deck were demolished along with the awkward stair.
The main entrance was moved to the side of the building and connects to a vestibule at ground floor. A hallway stair leads up to the social heart of the building; double-height living room, kitchen and outdoor dining space. Large windows and sliding doors connect the inside spaces to the garden and pool beyond.
The two additional floors of the new extension are offset from those of the original house resulting in interplay of levels. The more social spaces are overlooked by the more private spaces. The yard is overlooked by the ‘social heart’. This is overlooked by the children’s bedrooms. The parents’ sanctuary overlooks all of these.
The extension has a south-facing façade with a simple extruded form referencing the eponymous ‘gable’. This new façade also has porch which connects to the backyard with a stair but without the awkward doubling back.