Architect Restores A Tiny Brick Home (House Tour)
189,609
Published 2024-06-18
Beginning the house tour from the entrance, the owner is given a clear view to the rear courtyard. Moving past the original part of the home and into the new, the architects have created an internal arch in the living room that enhances the character of the residence, and the materials emphasise a flow of movement from inside to out. Moreover, as the home is complemented with large windows and doors, light is welcomed inward to animate surfaces and warm the interior.
Featuring an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, the addition enjoys a seamless connection to the rear courtyard garden. As the owner is an architectural historian and archivist, the architect wanted to create a space that reflected their craft. The tiny brick home is also designed to inspire the owner’s creative writing practices. Originally built in 1830, the cottage has retained many of its original elements, including the original timber sill that is approximately 200 years old. Furthermore, influenced by the original materiality of the cottage, SO: Architecture took to including similar materials for the new addition. To do this, SO: Architecture partnered with Brickworks due to the wide range of products and support of the emerging architect contingent.
For Harriet’s House, SO: Architecture selected brick as the main material due to its durability and ability to be used externally and internally for the floor and joinery. Two Brickworks products were employed within the home, the first being Richmond brick, which is part of the Yarra range. One of the main reasons for selecting this particular brick was due to it being locally made in Longford. The second is the lighter Ash brick from the Access range, which is used upon the majority of the exterior and interior walls of the new addition.
One of the additional key driving strategies for the design of the tiny brick home was how to bring the landscape into the home without it feeling forced. After many discussions, a 45-degree slope in the rear courtyard was created that descends towards the home. The landscape designer created a carpet of greenery that acts like a tapestry – best viewed from the rear living space.
Coming together through material choices and considered architecture, Harriet’s House not only honours the site’s history but creates a new space that elevates the owner’s quality of life.
00:00 - Introduction to the Tiny Brick Home
01:17 - The Original Brief
02:10 - Creating A Reflection of Harriet's Craft
02:30 - The Cottage's History
03:09 - Incorporating Brickworks Products
04:45 - Key Design Strategies
05:45 - Proud Moments
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Photography by Sean Fennessy.
Architecture and interior design by SO: Architecture.
Build by Anstie Constructions.
Engineering by Aldanmark Consulting Engineers.
Landscape design by Playstreet.
Landscape contracting by Jonathan Hearn Landscape Design and Construction.
Bricks by Brickworks.
Filmed and edited by HN Media.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#Restoration #Architect #Home
All Comments (21)
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We hope you enjoyed exploring this Harriet’s House by SO: Architecture, which beautifully marries the charm of a heritage cottage with modern design. For more of the latest and greatest in architecture, interior design and house tours, be sure to order your copy of Issue No. 14: thelocalproject.com.au/publication/issue-14
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When I see architect work like that, I understand the difference between home and place to live. It also speaks volume for the architect who brings humanity and craft into the project. A very good choice for Harriet ❤
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Liz described herself and Alex as being part of the 'emerging architect contingent' but I am here to tell you both have worked at highly esteemed Tasmanian architectural practices doing fabulous domestic and commercial architecture here in the state. Both are award winning, both at university and in their careers. I had the pleasure of working with Liz as a draftsperson many years ago when she was straight out of uni and I can attest to not only her wonderful design & practical skills but also her lovely nature. So... very pleased they have launched a practice together. All the best Liz & Alex!
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Please note that using bricks as indoor flooring is not handy: It is cumbersome to clean (cracks, crevices & gets dusty easily). You cannot easily mope or use a vacuum robot on this type of flooring. Please research maintenance possibilities beforehand if you are considering it for your projects. It will save you issues down the road.
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This is such a beautiful home!! Amazing that the door's threshold is 200 hundred years old. Beautifully done integrating a heritage home with a new build.
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such a cosy and warm atmosphere
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You should be so, so proud! This feels so respectful: of the original historic cottage, of its owner, of the setting, of the materials, and of the environment. The sculptural walls and vaulted ceiling with the rising wall of green behind give me the impression of a catacomb or historic cellar but with a wonderful connection to light and the outdoors. I really like it and am deeply envious of Harriet. Thank you for sharing the space with us all.
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It's wonderful to see a project that is not driven by ego of the home owner or the architects, and is instead based on quality of life and balance with their surroundings. Very thoughtful approach and consideration in use of materials - budget-friendly, long-lasting and yet not a compromise in function or aesthetic outcome.
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Love it! Love it! Again, at last a REAL HOME! Superb design to the brief. A solid, long lasting " home for life". Nothing showy or bling. Simply solid and sound. Yes a home to live in, grow in and feel at home. Brick, timber and nature literally out of the back door. This is something very special. Thank You for sharing.
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I absolutely love this build. It has so much warmth and soul, despite there being so much brick work. Wonderful.
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Lovely project. Small local architects 'do it better' because they can offer you that personal experience.
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I wanted to see more of the original cottage not just the extension 😢
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This home generates and exudes warmth. Such a nice mix of new and old. The arched ceiling is stunning. The outdoor space is like a beautiful piece of art. What a gorgeous home.
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This was one of the most soothing and best videos you have created to date.
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beyond gorgeous home. attention to detail is amazing the craftsmanship is incredible and to be able to create an extension of a classic home is so difficult to do right
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One of the most beautiful houses I've seen. I find Australian ID is another level of amazing.
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oh such a cosy and character filled little home.I loooooove it
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That garden is phenomenal.
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I would have loved to see more of this home. This wasn't really a tour at all, just an advertisement for brick.
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I resonate with all the comments - beautiful, respectful architecture. I especially loved the garden.
