Wisteria is a dramatic timber expression of simplicity and purity. A contemporary addition to a fully restored Federation bungalow in Sydney’s inner west, its expansive form soaks up the sunshine and fosters a deep connection with the outdoors.
Located in a heritage conservation area, its airy new volume unfolds in a delicate manifestation of a brief that asked for an open, warm home in which a family could truly gather, one that respected the home’s history while adding thoughtful contemporary layers.
A light, airy pavilion is rhythmically expressed in Victorian ash. Within, a double-height void opens up the living space to sunlight and air, deepening the links between the private upstairs spaces and the downstairs spots in which the family comes together. A fireplace divides the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining spaces, which flow serenely onto the east-facing deck covered by a wisteria-clad pergola that frames the garden view. It is a home perfectly suited to entertaining and elevating the simple daily ritual of a meal in the sun.
The addition unfolds from a distinct junction between old and new that helps the home negotiate its sloping site. A wide stair combines concrete and timber to create a processional entry down into the new space, doubling as seating. To one side, a white steel plate staircase rises to the first floor, with the whole space wrapped in a combination of timber, fixed glazing, and adjustable louvres for cross-ventilation, it announces the intention of the addition as a bright, spacious, double-height volume.
