Salgo Kitching House
2012 Gadi Country / Bronte NSW
Our clients approached us before purchasing this house. We agreed that whilst it was an ugly duckling, it had many strengths and was just waiting to become a beautiful swan.
The house was a now unrecognisable inter-war bungalow with post WWII Austerity Period additions. It was built over the foundations of a colonial-era sandstone house and stables, the remains of which are evident in the rear boundary wall, a sandstone well and adjacent remnant stable building.
The bedrooms and main living area of the existing house needed a few coats of paint. However, the kitchen and laundry cut the house off from the back yard. The sun room at the front of the house under-utilised the northerly aspect and district views. Our approach was to demolish both the front and back of the house and bookend the existing building with lightweight, though thermally massive additions, each maximising winter solar gain and views.
The main bedroom also needed an ensuite, and the main bathroom and central hallway more light. A basement room was converted into guest accommodation.
Our courageous clients lived in the house throughout the two-stage build. Their patience, understanding of the creative process and impeccable aesthetic judgement made this a delightful project.
Awards
2015 AIA NSW Residential Architecture Award – Shortlisted
2015 AIA NSW Sustainable Architecture Award – Shortlisted
2013 Houses Awards – Shortlisted
2013 Waverley Design Award
Publication
Houses Kitchens + Bathrooms Issue 08
Project Team
Sam Crawford, Karen Erdos, Wendy James
Consultants
Landscape Architect – Glenn Murray, Melissa Wilson
Quantity Surveyor – QS Plus
Structural Engineer – Northrop
Hydraulic Engineer – O’Hearn Consulting
Photography
Brett Boardman