- Interior
- Architecture & development
Somewhere between the trees in Sydney, Australia, lies Spotted Gum House, designed by architects Studio Alexander & Co. The existing interwar bungalow could use a restoration and an extension, which was quite a task considering we are talking about protected heritage. Alexander and his team accepted the challenge.
The owners aimed for a sustainable design. Throughout the design process, they challenged the architectural firm to look for environmentally friendly solutions. You will find, for example, double-glazing, geothermal air conditioning and inert and low-VOC materials. Architecturally, the house is also bold and shows a high quality and sustainable design, such as the wellness-inspired dimming lighting system. 
The house contains three bedrooms that have been transformed into a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. Two guest bedrooms, a study room, a sitting room, a guest bathroom, a toilet and a laundry room had to be accommodated in the original front of the house. The new extension shows a generous, open communal space, with a new, double-height kitchen, dining and living area. Upstairs on the first floor are the private living quarters in a royal style, including an infrared sauna, master bedroom and bathroom with steam shower. 
Throughout the bungalow, the Australian architectural language comes to life.
Inside, one of the main features of the extension is the floor-to-ceiling steel sliding glass doors. The doors are strategically placed to maximise the natural southern light and provide beautiful views of the garden. Furthermore, they have tried to bring the contemporary Australian architectural language to life with modernist references. They have done this by using a subdued palette of monochromatic greys, grey marble, cream, black steel and various woods. Furthermore, lighting from Apparatus and Henry Wilson and furniture from Spence & Lyda, Cult Design and Great Dane contribute to the mid-century contemporary Australian direction. That style is what makes us dream of a holiday in Australia. 
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Photography by Anson Smart