Narrow City Living

An attached city cottage on a small allotment was the starting point for our client to develop their future city retirement home. The residence abutted another cottage which had been modified with an unsympathetic 1970’s addition.

The site, a narrow 5.77 metre wide block with rear access, a northerly aspect and a heritage streetscape, presented challenges to achieve the client’s brief and maintain sunlight access for the southern neighbour.

Along with the requirement for two bedrooms, two bathrooms and living area it was important for our client to have a “pride of place’ kitchen. Cooking and entertaining in and around the kitchen was fundamental to their way of life.

The original structure of the front rooms has been retained as a ‘bed sit’ with ensuite arrangement, maintaining the cottage presence within the streetscape. A master bedroom retreat including study, walk in robe and a bathroom is located on the first floor and positioned to balance the requirement for northern light, minimising the impact on the streetscape and maintaining light to the southern property. The kitchen has been carefully considered to achieve the client’s requirements and provides a focal point within the ground floor living area.

Like many cottages in the city area, the rear section was constructed with a light-weight material (corrugated iron) so the choice of metal cladding to the new extension reinforced this connection with the past. The form of the rear extension is a response to the desire to capture natural light to the dwelling and likewise to the adjoining property.

With such a narrow site it was important to create a sense of openness for the internal spaces; this is achieved by means of a large glazed panel and the inclusion of a two storey volume at the transition of the new and old sections of the building.

The client’s budget for the project was tight, resulting in numerous value management sessions being undertaken in consultation with the client, builder and architect. This process delayed the construction but with the collaboration of all parties a solution was agreed and the client’s requirements were achieved.

Sun shading of glazed windows, operable windows and a high level of thermal insulation has reduced the requirement for additional heating and cooling – a point that our client is particularly pleased about.