Prismatic House
This Victorian family home in Windsor has undergone an uplifting transformation through a highly collaborative process between designer and client. As architects and interior designers, we see the value in listening to our clients needs and aspirations and work alongside them throughout the entire process of realising their project. Windsor house is a layered curation of our client’s vision to integrate family living with a vibrant creative aesthetic and comprehensive art collection.
Our scope included a renovation to the existing Victorian front of house and a double storey extension to the rear with rooftop terrace, with the intent to maximise liveability and leisure space within this inner-city block.
Situated in a commercial/residential zone of Windsor, the site presented us with numerous contextual considerations in approaching the architectural form, which drove our planning process.
In an era of rapid urban growth and evolving zoning regulations, a key consideration was a proposed adjacent multi storey residential development that created concerns of privacy and overshadowing on two sides of the property. We approached architectural form-making and configuration as a solution to the problem, by using volume as both habitable space and a strategy to protect privacy. As the privacy of the rear open space was inevitability going to be compromised by adjacent buildings, our solution was to use the upper level form to screen the courtyard from overlooking. A rooftop terrace was also designed as the primary secluded outdoor living space that receives direct sunlight and is not eclipsed by development. Through model-making exercises, it was found that a tapered form would draw the eye inward and allow sunlight to penetrate the house. This resulted in a monolithic contemporary addition, which contrasts the original Victorian home and reflects the creative confidence of our client.
Expressive form is not exclusive to the exterior, with the interior spaces reflecting sculpted volumes in gallery/living spaces. This narrative begins with a dynamic transition between the original and new house, referencing the language of the original Victorian archway to form a large contemporary arched threshold leading to a sculptural staircase and rear living and kitchen zone. A tranquil master suite occupies the front of the house with generous walk in wardrobe and bathroom. Upstairs is the kids’ retreat with bedrooms, ensuites, rumpus room and a kid’s snug room nestled in the roof volume behind a secret door. A glazed automated ceiling hatch leads up to a generous rooftop terrace, where cooking and entertaining is a focus.
The interior materiality reflects our close collaboration with the client in celebrating creative expression through bold finish choices. Natural stone is a feature of the home with soft pink and green Onyx featured in the bathrooms, Four Seasons and Cristallo quartzites in the kitchen and living area, Papeete marble providing a statement piece to powder rooms, and a pink brushed & tumbled limestone floor tile. The client meticulously curated a vibrant colour palette with Porters Paints as a backdrop to their art pieces, forming part of the unique narrative of the home.
The art in Windsor house is not limited to the walls, with three dimensional sculptural pieces, light fittings and furniture intertwined with the house. Key pieces include custom printed wallpaper, urns and a pendant light by local artist Kate Rohde from her Infinite Rainbow collection for Hermès Sydney. Mural panels by George Rose created for social enterprise gallery Art Aid are integrated into functional design, with one panel used as a sliding pantry cupboard door, and another performing as the door to the kids’ secret snug room. A print designed by fashion designer Estelle Michaelides has been custom printed onto a velvet curtain in the living area, further integrating art into functional design elements.
