Hawthorn
Built 2018
McManus Lew Architects
‘Hawthorn Villa reconfigures an inward-looking three-bedroom villa unit to connect to its’ outdoor space, gaining the benefits of garden outlook, light and air. Space was found within the inefficient existing footprint to accommodate the client’s brief for a new guest bedroom and multipurpose area and the comforts that create a relaxing, supportive home environment.
Designing the living zone as a link between both front and rear garden, vistas out contribute to a feeling of spaciousness within. The kitchen was located in a small extension to the original footprint, enabling living and dining areas to enjoy clear views lines to the outdoors. A subtle lowering of the floor level to living areas creates easier transition to garden levels. The flared ceiling line opens up the interior up to generous north sunlight and the rear garden with deck. A new kid’s space across from the deck was carved out of the unused existing garage.
Timbers finishes suiting the age of the existing building are used extensively internally to define areas and provide warmth.
A value judgement was made at the project’s inception to decide whether the existing home was worth keeping. Consideration to other units in the development, the high embodied value, and condition of the existing dwelling led to the decision to keep it and rework it, which we are proud of. Close attention to the existing conditions, but not being constrained by it has allowed a new story to prevail.’
—McManus Lew Architects
Photography by Tatjana Plitt
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