Garden House in North Fremantle by Spaceagency Architects.

Located in North Fremantle, on a Western Australian peninsula, Garden House by Spaceagency Architects is an alternations and additions project emphasising the connection to the outdoors – also an entry in the 2021 WA Architecture Awards.

Capturing views of the ocean on the west side of the first floor and activating the house through several access points to the gardens, Spaceagency facilitates effortless indoor and outdoor living. By considering the outdoor areas as a predominant part of the house, each space inside has access to the front, rear and internal gardens.

To futureproof the home, additions have been designed to allow for division in the future as the family continues to grow. One of the owners grew up here as a child, so a nod to the past is deeply admired. Part of additions and alterations included converting the original kitchen hearth into an outdoor fireplace that extends the current dining and kitchen areas. Furthermore, a grand garden roof terrace captures the ocean views and acts as an additional visitor entrance where a Norfolk Island Pine tree stands tall on-site, providing shade and canopy.

As a heritage limestone cottage on the corner site, the recent two storey addition has a solid link to the site’s history. The design team chose to include a clear distinction between the old and the new, using glazing to reveal the limestone wall.

With a timeless quality and natural material palette comprising white painted brick, concrete, natural timber and tactile detailing, the home exudes a warm and soft assurance while requiring minimal maintenance. As the raw brass details will age over time, and the ceramic tiles emanate a handcrafted quality. Throughout the home, there are elements of surprise. A bespoke timber divider that separates the dining and living room references the exterior timber battens that wrap the first floor. Custom vanity in a semi-transparent orange is fitted into the children’s bathroom.

The balance between new and old acts as the ideal backdrop for the homeowners. Suited to a modern lifestyle while celebrating the North Fremantle vernacular, the home suits the behaviours of the family, now and into the future.

[Images courtesy of Spaceagency Architects. Photography by Dion Robeson.]