A home in australia is given an subtle and transformative renovation by sydney-based architect christopher polly. the project retains itsoriginal envelope as part of its environmental, economic and planning values while a substantial lower ground living volume is sensitivelyinserted beneath the original fabric of the home. as the site tends towards the rear, the glazed addition extrudes the existing geometries ofthe brick structure and creates a visually light extension that continues wall alignments, gutter levels and enclosing wall heights. the facetedform is optimized to allow generous daylight to pervade the space and at once posits a interpreted mirror of the extant vernacular tectonicpalette and geometry.
The roof in particular reframes the home's relationship to the tree-filled context, with its folds allowing access to north light and easterly views.the majority of the project is carefully crafted within the retained masonry and hipped roof envelope. vaulted ceilings and skylights carvedwithin the original roof form expand interior volumes. an airy plan permits a generous stair void that expands to the lower level below, andupwards to views of the sky. utilities located deep within the semi-subterranean rear of the lower ground enable direct connection of theliving space to the garden and jacaranda tree, while the re-worked ground floor above adds a bathroom, main bedroom and adaptablebedroom or study area. fenestration placement improves natural light access and promotes passive ventilation, assisted by ceiling fans anda roof venting system, using stack effect to exhaust trapped heat out of the original roof space.