The project involved of demolition of an existing single storey dwelling at 100 Buckley Street and the construction of 8 dwellings (2 detached sets of 4 attached double storey dwellings) with associated driveway and landscaping work. It is a development that is considered to be appropriate to the lot, generous in terms of size, space, amenity and access, and well contextualised to the suburb of Noble Park.
The project comprises a Northern aligned double width driveway that gives vehicular access to integrated and hidden lock up garages. Pedestrian access is from the Eastern and Southern streets (Buckley and Agnes respectively) via modest and easily maintained front gardens. The ground floors of the dwellings are made up of a combination of bedrooms (with ensuites) and studies, with the garages including generous storage facilities and separate doors for pedestrian access.
The upper floors of the dwellings is accessed by a single flight of stairs and is open plan with generous kitchen, living and dining spaces. A bedroom and bathroom are located towards the Southern edge, whilst to the North a balcony looks over the school car park, offering excellent passive survelliance.
The project comprises of a Western aligned boundary driveway that gives vehicular and pedestrian access to tandemly parked car bays (one of which is undercover). The modest dwellings are characterised by a large, open plan living space on ground floor with direct access to generous and secluded private open spaces. The second story cantilevers out over the private open space and the driveway, providing both drama visually but also function in the form of shelter at the entry and shade from the hot North sun, making the private open space all the more habitable.
The buildings are designed such that they form a reflection of the simple materials that adorn dwellings nearby. Constructed of brick, steel and timber, they employ a layering motif that highlights the steep topography and unites the two volumes. The building form is simple, yet elegant and effective. The proposition is one that considers, acknowledges and references its neighbourhood character. The response is a modest, robust and highly considered architectural outcome. It recognises the requirement for quality building and respects the local context both environmentally and socially.
ARCHITECTS
Phat Nguyen & Edmund Carter
CATEGORY
Houses
YEAR
Melbourne, 2012-2014
