Looking at this lovely country façade, it’s hard to imagine anything unexpected behind it. Until you go inside.
cr_img href=”house-leichhardt-01.jpg” alt=”House Leichhardt, Australia”]
Leichhardt House is situated in the eponymous suburb of Sydney, Australia. The renovation project was designed by Design. Completed in 2012. Combining multiple styles makes it unique. Leichhardt Council is desperately fighting to preserve cultural heritage. The new building was in no way intended to disturb the character of the townscape.
However, an area of 100 m2 is too small for a young family with a child. The only way out is the second floor. Rolf managed to convince city leaders that it made sense and was necessary. But he was faced with two conditions: change the white color to gray, in the tone of the trees, and eliminate the possibility of viewing the neighboring houses. So as not to violate their privacy. That’s why the second-floor skylights to the alley are very high. You can only see the sky and the trees. The slots were one of the elements of the design and were used in the drawing of the side wall.
Because the building is narrow, the interior space is very simply organized. However, the designer has created such a diverse and colorful interior that you don’t notice it. The integrity of the original house has been almost completely preserved.
Photo courtesy of Rolf Ockert Design.
What is the architectural rationale behind the conceptual, ultra-modern addition to the historic Victorian house? How does the design blend or contrast with the existing structure, and what impact does it have on the overall aesthetic and historical integrity of the house?