kangaroo island house

The brief was to design a modest and complementary addition to a locally heritage listed late 19th century cottage on Kangaroo Island, SA. The early stone and render building is proposed to be freed from previous random extension and restored to reinstate its original charm.

In contrast to the introverted nature of the existing cottage, the new addition will provide views overlooking the bay, thus creating a connection with the surrounding area.

The modest addition of a solitary monolithic building aims to create a timeless backdrop, which will respect the old cottage by keeping the two clearly separated through a low entry canopy. Carefully chosen directions of walls, as well as strategically positioned windows direct views away from nearby developments and create privacy in this spatially constrained setting.

This highly sustainable and energy self-sufficient addition has been designed to the Passivhouse standard to respond to Kangaroo Islands windy climate. It will be constructed from sustainably sourced cross laminated timber and finished with untreated hardwood cladding. Outdoor amenities like sheltered sitting areas, an outdoor shower, a chook run and veggie gardens will complement the existing fruit trees.

This project will be an example of how heritage listed buildings can be sustainably upgraded to liveable, thermally comfortable dwellings whilst preserving the integrity and heritage character of a historic building.