B.E Architecture renovated the 'Hopetoun Avenue House,' a period home located in the Vaucluse suburb of Sydney, Australia.
The architects designed the extension to purposefully contrast against the existing sandstone house. The new addition is delicate, as opposed to solid, emerging from underneath the site's main feature: a lemon-scented gum tree. The design initiative continues to embrace and integrate the tree as a dominant property detail. The outdoor spaces, which are designed with timber-clad columns that retreat into the background and glazing that allows access from the interior, are oriented so that they frame the tree's trunk.
The home's upper level rests in the tree's branches, floating over the lower level to create an idiosyncratic levitating treetop environment that looks out towards the Sydney Harbor. The roof features a stone treatment to look as though it's been ornamented with scattered leaves.
Integrated Nature Residences
This Period Home Considers the Outdoor Elements
Trend Themes
1. Integrated Nature Residences - Architects design residential buildings to embrace and incorporate natural elements creating stunning outdoor spaces.
2. Timber-clad Columns - The use of timber-clad columns to not only add visual appeal to homes but strategically retreat into the background.
3. Levitating Treetop Environment - Homes built in the branches of a tree to give an idiosyncratic one-of-a-kind experience.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunities arise when nature is incorporated into building design.
2. Real Estate - Houses that incorporate unique natural elements like trees add to the value and beauty of the property.
3. Timber Industry - Incorporating timber-clad columns into building design not only adds visual appeal but creates opportunities for the timber industry to expand using sustainable practices.