Cox Rayner Architects & Twofold Studio have designed a small Brisbane house located on a narrow inner-city former worker’s cottage site. The entire design was based on the principle of using the aperture as a means to enlarge, compress and extend the space. Aperture refers to the whole – an extended small historic workers cottage, the rooms – from approach to rear garden, and the components – from sequenced framed openings to minute perforations.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
The program was divided into four sequential parts. The first part comprised of remodelling the existing cottage, and transforming it into a library, lounge area and master bedroom, while the second part involved a bridge that housed bedrooms and a ‘secret’ garden.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
A new indoor-outdoor kitchen, dinning area and play space were defined in the third part of the program, while the last stage incorporates a stunning garden and pool.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Due to the site constraints, the house is necessarily linear. The architects used apertures as an exploration of how to physically and perceptually connect spaces within the volume.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
The materials used were mainly brick and rosewood joinery to maintain the historic aspect of the house. The use of brick throughout the interior spaces, as well as exterior creates a seamless transition between the two, transforming the home into an oasis.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
The brick perforations throughout the house add visual and textural interest, as well as help define external and internal privacy, and control natural light distribution.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Multiple wall perforations create a play of light and shadow, with surprising details that always keep you engaged.
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
Image © Christopher Frederick Jones
The residence was shortlisted for the house of the year award at the World Architecture Festival 2014.
Facts:
Architecture: Cox Rayner Architects & Twofold Studio
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones
