GLADESVILLE COURTYARD HOUSE || Renovation of a Federation House in New South Wales
Three mature trees in the backyard — a crepe myrtle, jacaranda and magnolia tree — inspired the renovation of an existing Federation house in Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia.
Federation architecture in Australia is an architectural style that was common during the late 18th century and early 19th century. The distinctive design element would be a front verandah at the entrance of the home. The name was formed when the Federation of Australia was established on January 1st, 1901.
Expressed steel structure framing the large picture timber sliding windows
Pergola leading to pavilion
The project by Vanessa Wegner Architect was to renovate the rear of the home, and the concept was to highlight the mature trees in the backyard. The new building thus showcases the trees and wraps around the exterior of the site, creating a courtyard and allowing the inhabitants to live in and appreciate the backyard and the trees most of the day.
The seamless integration of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle aligns with the lifestyle of family with children, where the children can enjoy their lunch outside under the pergola and play in the yard.
Living / exterior threshold
To complement the detail and texture of the existing home, the new addition radiates texture and warmth, such as the use of wood-framed sliding doors that mark the living and exterior threshold, and the wood-planked pergola leading to the pavilion located at the other end of the courtyard. Joinery in the pavilion also features wood planks on the ceiling, with a skylight to draw in natural light.
The home encourages a lifestyle close to nature by building the home around existing lush trees in the backyard, expanding the outdoor living area so the family can spend more time outside, and incorporating large-format windows and skylights so the home is bathed in sunlight throughout the day.
Dining defined by timber ceiling
Pavilion joinery