The project, by Matt Williams Architects in collaboration with Pascale Gomes-McNabb Design, at its most fundamental, is an extension of just 8sqm.

Starting with the intention of reinstating a clear definition for the original 1830s cottage, the process began with considering what could be removed and retained from both the cottage and the poorly conceived additions.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Matt Williams: Starting with the intention of reinstating a clear definition for the original 1830s cottage, the process began with considering what could be removed and retained from both the cottage and the poorly conceived additions.

We were fortunate with the orientation of the residence on the site. The cottage, to the south, with its smaller, discrete rooms, naturally leant itself to the private spaces of the home. The rear addition, on the north side of the cottage, provided the opportunity to create sun-filled living rooms.

Luckily, the cottage had retained much of it’s original fabric and features, so was a matter of carefully extracting any more-recent unsympathetic adjustments. The rear addition, in contrast, was of poor design and construction, allowing extensive reinvention.

From early in the design process, the rear extension was seen as an opportunity to create the open, generous living space that the cottage lacked. It evolved into a garden room – a space outside the cottage, but still part of the house.

The detailing continued this idea, including exposing and expressing the rear wall of the cottage in the new living space; and the glazed addition allowing you to sit in the Lounge and look back along the facade of the cottage.

The introduction of Pascale Gomes-McNabb later in the process brought a much greater level of refinement to the interiors.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

This was a project of so many challenges.Starting with a tight site, entirely heritage-listed; mostly already occupied by the original cottage; in a dense, busy neighbourhood – the key challenge was how to create a home for contemporary living; that admitted sun; provided outlook; and created peaceful refuge, while managing privacy and achieving approval from heritage.

As demolition commenced, it was revealed that the original cottage was in a much greater state of disrepair than previously understood, the sandstone footings were rolling outwards and the pitched roof was trying to become a skillion; with the walls in-between moving in many directions at once.

In consultation with the builder and engineer, both with extensive heritage restoration experience, considerable new structure was carefully combined with the original elements throughout the cottage making it all but undetectable in the finished home.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

We maintained careful, continuous, open communication with the client throughout the design process. This was especially important during construction, where the cottage and site continually presented new challenges to be resolved.

All issues were presented to the client, along with options for solutions that were based on the overall intentions for the project. In this way, the client retained an understanding of the myriad of issues while maintaining trust that the project would achieve the desired outcomes.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

Our practice works primarily on residential projects, as establishing the personal connection with our clients that is needed to understand them and how they want to live, is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our role.

We have a strong focus on retaining and re-imagining existing buildings, to minimise waste while maximising outcomes. Combining the above two elements leads as to regularly work on alterations and additions; and, operating in Tasmania, these projects are frequently heritage-listed buildings.

Accommodating a contemporary lifestyle, with compliant performance, in an existing heritage-listed building is challenging but always very rewarding.

Sandy Bay 4.jpg

Sandy Bay 1.jpg

Sandy Bay 3.jpg

Sandy Bay 2.jpg

Let's Connect!

Let’s connect!