Preston Courtyard is a dwelling organized around a walled tropical garden. A heritage listed two storey Victorian terrace is located on the western boundary of the site. Outbuildings in a period style had previously been added on the East and South boundaries and housed a garage and storerooms. The courtyard is framed by a verandah which provides a protected connection between the southern outbuilding and the terrace house but reduced light to adjacent rooms.
Our approach to this project included:
- highlighting the connection with the courtyard garden through provision of new openings
- increasing thermal performance by improving draught sealing and increased insulation
- introduction of additional natural light and ventilation with new skylights, this also provided height and connection to the sky in a low, dark room.
- conversion of the garage and storeroom spaces into a home office and a separate bedroom to enable flexible work/ family/ guest configurations.
The project was completed in 3 stages over 4 years:
Stage 1:
- converted part of an existing pool plant room into an ensuite
- converted a storeroom into a bedroom / studio for adult children or guests
Stage 2:
- converted a garage into a home office
- replaced the existing garage door to the Street with a layered façade, comprised of an outer skin of rusted steel louvres for privacy and sun control. An inner layer of double glazed timber casement windows / door provides thermal performance and separate street access.
Stage 3:
- reconfigured the existing Kitchen / Dining / Laundry / Bathroom spaces to include:
- a modern working kitchen
- a garden facing bathroom and living room with good natural light
Builder stage 1 + 2: LJ Precisionbuild
Builder stage 3: Dwyer Constructions
