Ashgrove Residence occupies a quiet street in a conservative Queensland neighbourhood, nestles into its suburban setting, respecting the scale, form, and materiality of its context. Additions weave between the constraints of a substantial hoop pine, the existing house, and a centrally sited backyard pool.
Presenting a conservative street elevation, the extended eaves overhangs combine with a lower pitching height to reduce the height of the addition, whilst the dark elevation of the additions blends into the shadows of the pine. Only the double-height glazed brick entry provides an indicator of the addition’s contemporary planning.
Whilst the rear of the house opens to the pool and garden via a wall of glazing, the considered positions of openings and window treatments facilitate sight lines throughout the plan whilst also maintaining privacy as desired. These gestures serve to create a light and open interior that captures any available breeze to naturally control the internal climate of the home.
The use of Crevole from the PGH Bricks Velour range fits neatly into the addition’s contemporary aesthetic, conceived as two buildings unified as one via the entry and linking external facades. The entry punctuates the space, grounding it to the earth using recycled pavers and the substantial masonry blade, providing privacy and leads your attention to the living area. The building tectonics reference the vernacular construction of the Queenslander through the expression of the frame and structure, along with its application of common materials to provide texture and visual interest. Interiors explore the application and layering of natural, tactile materials to create a rich and calming ambience.
Architect: DM2 Architecture
Photography: Scott Burrows
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