Trapeze Terrace
This sun-filled void takes on a trapezium shape informed by the site, aligning with neighboring buildings so as to not overshadow them.
The angled elements follow through to the parquetry floor of blackbutt timber providing beautiful warmth in the natural light.
One island is for gathering around, sitting, serving and enjoying the company of family and friends. The other island for preparation and storage, while also subtly zoning the kitchen from the living space adjacent. Floating in the space, they allow flexible circulation in an otherwise narrow terrace.
More than just functional elements, the islands are beautifully crafted pieces of furniture. Carved in blackbutt and floating off the floor, allow the spaces remain united and natural light to reflect in between.
Read more
Trapeze Terrace restores an ailing terrace to health with a rear addition of flexible spaces. A double-height void connects inhabitants to a north-facing garden, blue skies and neighbouring treetops while bringing in invigorating morning light, setting up a family-of-four energetically for the day.
The clients are purveyors of organic produce, passionate about bringing people together around nourishing food. Their brief was to rid a dark, narrow terrace of black mold with a healthy, high-performing, thermally-efficient, all-electric renovation.
This required upgrading original front bedrooms and introducing an uplifting kitchen/dining/living zone, topped with bedrooms adaptable for houseguests and the young family’s changing needs.
Renovated properties attached on both sides blocked solar access along much of the 5x36.5 metre site. A central void with a trapezium shape, informed by the planning requirement to not overshadow neighbouring windows, draws north and east light and views down into the core of the home.
The central kitchen provides a dynamic focal point. Handcrafted joinery in beautiful Blackbutt floats, furniture-like, above a recycled parquetry floor.
The playful, hospitality-inspired kitchen features suspended shelving and two island benches, perfect for food preparation and service with flourish.
Above, bedrooms feel like they’re floating between void and sky. Sliding windows provide acoustic separation, and open fully to comforting breezes and views to changing skies. A roof deck opens to more expansive views extending the sense of space beyond this site.
Flexibility is inherent across the four bedroom-sized rooms, able to become studies or second living rooms as the family’s needs evolve.
