projects > commercial > botany studio
In 2002 we bought a dilapidated weatherboard cottage on a corner block in an old industrial area of Botany. Since then we have gradually restored the cottage and opened it to the north and the garden by replacing the exterior wall with a sliding glass and timber door and adding a deck and outdoor bathroom. In 2008 we completed a separate building on the northern boundary of the site that now accommodates our architectural practice. It is a brick and steel building reflecting the vernacular of the surrounding industrial buildings. We sculpted the volume in a pragmatic way, using sun shading modeling and close study of the relative scales of the (small) house and the (massive) industrial buildings around it.
Many interesting issues arose from the development of this project with reference to new concepts of mixed use sites. Botany Bay City Council (and many other councils around Australia and the world) see the importance of developing old industrial areas in a way that can accommodate residential, light industrial and commercial functions. If people can live near their work, work near their shops and walk safely between them, the suburb has a constant life to it that benefits all. It is through projects like ours that these intentions can be tested and developed and we are pleased to have been able to work closely with the council planners to achieve this very successful outcome.
Both the house and the studio face into the garden which is shared by architects, children, a dog and a productive vegetable garden. Work and life boundaries are blurred by the architecture. Commuting time is nil and family life is holistically included in our architectural practice.
Photography by Kilian O'Sullivan