Measday Residence #4

(HOUSING – BUILT – SYDNEY)

This project was designed in 2008 for a couple with 3 young daughters. This is the fourth project we have worked on together. The building was finally completed by the owners 15 years later in 2023.

The design followed the footprint and traditional outline of the existing house to retain existing setback limits, but the majority of the house was rebuilt using the existing bricks. Vertical windows, a pitched roof and two ‘chimney’ elements maintained that traditional appearance, however the chimneys disguise skylight shafts, drawing northern sun and natural ventilation to the four upstairs rooms. Substantial gardens embrace the front and back of the block.

ENTRY

STUDY

BATHROOM 1

A three storey slot was cut into the plan on the western side drawing sunshine, indirect daylight and ventilation into the main bathroom and bedroom here, as well as the laundry and kitchen below, and the bathroom above.

BEDROOM 1

MAIN STAIR + GUEST TOILET

The main circulation stair wraps around a rectangular prism that conceals the guest toilet which is indirectly lit from the skylight above through a frosted glass ceiling.

BEDROOM 2

Each of the three upstairs bedrooms has a window seat that pops out beyond the exterior brick wall, allowing for distant views, and for northern sun to enter, something especially valuable in the two south-facing bedrooms.

Each of the three upstairs bedrooms and study has a skylight ‘chimney’ that draws northern sunlight and allows for natural cross ventilation via a glass top and opening window.

BEDROOM 3

BEDROOM 4

BATHROOM 2

A three storey slot was cut into the plan on the western side drawing sunshine, indirect daylight and ventilation into the bathroom while maintaining privacy from the neighbours.

DOWNSTAIRS

LAUNDRY

LIVING AREA

The lower ground level has a deliberate warehouse feel with the use of concrete, painted bricks, high ceilings and an open plan living/dining/kitchen.