Yarra Street House / Julie Firkin Architects

Architects: Julie Firkin Architects
Location: Abbotsford VIC, Australia
Area: 70 sqm
Year: 2011
Photographs: Christine Francis

Builder: OTS Constructions Pty Ltd
Budget: $380,000

From the architect. The clients, a professional couple with a large, combined family, wanted contemporary addition to their suburban weatherboard cottage which would allow them to indulge in their love of gardening and allow them to cook and entertain in style.

The design is a creative response to passive solar principles, which was a challenge as the extension is to the south of the existing house. A sun-court allows sunlight to penetrate the new living spaces from the north in winter, and serves to separate the new addi­tion from the old house so that it reads as a clearly articulated pavilion in a garden.

A number of dining and entertaining spaces work off the hub of the kitchen which is designed to show off the home-cook in her or his best light.