As families grow and change, so too do our houses reflect the different requirements that time presents. As an adaptive reuse and addition project, Masculine Energy by Kennon is the perfect example of great design that makes for better living today, all achieved through careful planning and attention to detail.
Masculine Energy is a Victorian Terrace landlocked by an east-west orientated site. The re-design preserves the historic façade and many of the internal walls but introduces a basement to minimise the impact of the extension. A priority of the design by Kennon was access to natural light and ventilation to reduce reliance on artificial light and air conditioning and this has been achieved in spades providing comfort for the residents and slashing energy bills.
The project is testament to integrating contemporary sustainable building materials within an original framework of a Victorian dwelling. Utilising materials with superior thermal performance energy efficiency is enhanced and embodied carbon minimised. The curated outside landscape with carefully selected plantings also fosters a more resilient ecosystem.
The house was re-structured within an existing envelope with no increase to the ground footprint. Functional planning has delivered addition space delineated into areas for privacy, separate uses and places that bring everyone together. While the family at this moment is young with teenage boys, the design also looks ahead and provides amenity where there could be five adults and potential partners all living under the one roof. Cleverly, Kennon has futureproofed the design and made provision for this eventuality.
Taking cues from the client and their boys, the home reflects a masculine energy that has a positive effect on the interior design and aesthetic.
While the build was challenging as a complete re-design with a heritage overlay, the end result speaks for itself. Increasing the number of bedrooms and rooms with spatial qualities that balance light, views and ventilation means that the interior is now in step with contemporary living, comfortable and ready for the 21st century.
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While the colour palette is dramatic and moody, informed by the materiality of dark timber, striated brown on white marble and pared back furnishings, Masculine Energy provides comfort and amenity far beyond the original Victorian design.
Pete Kennon founder of his eponymous studio comments, “Masculine Energy is a response to an interest in human relationships. An interest into how we communicate with each other and how the balance between a femininity and masculinity exists in oneself and in personal relationships. We all possess characteristics of each, where some heavily sway towards one or the other.” He continues, “Upon getting to know the clients and owners of the house, there was a clear feeling of a strong masculine energy. A direct, bold and ambitious drive to make things happen. Sensitivities were found, yet force was the preferred method of execution by the client. It created an enquiry into a personal interest between these two energies that were present in all relationships. The interior of this project shifted its positioning to respond closely to the clients.”
Kennon has explored the options and created new ones. Conceiving a new spatial plan that ticks all the boxes, this home is the result of expert design for life and living and celebrates masculine energy at its best.
Masculine Energy designed by Kennon is an entry to The Living Space in the 2024 INDE.Awards and this category is proudly supported by Gaggenau.
Kennon
kennon.com.au
Room on Fire
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