Ben Walker Architects

TJ House

TJ House
© Lightstudies

TJ HOUSE

Ben Walker Architects

ARCHITECTS
Ben Walker Architects

MANUFACTURERS
Alape, Apaiser, Gaggenau

PHOTOGRAPHS
Lightstudies

AREA
163 m²

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Braddon, Australia

CATEGORY
Apartments, Residential

The project comprised the fitout of a residential apartment in a new building in Braddon, ACT Australia. The apartment is located within one of Canberra’s busiest precincts and has wonderful eastern views across the suburbs of Ainslie &

TJ House
© Lightstudies
TJ House
© Lightstudies

Braddon and to Parliament House and Civic to the south. The project was a team effort between client/builder, joiner, architect and carpenters. The clients’ clear vision for the character of the space led the detailing and material choice.

The fitout has an industrial character partly reminiscent of the old workshops common throughout Braddon in previous years.

TJ House
© Lightstudies
TJ House
© Lightstudies

The palette of steel plate, concrete, glass, recycled brick and timber combine to give a contemporary and individualised character to this apartment. There is a high level of precision and craftsmanship evident in all elements.

The project includes the use of mild steel plate for bench tops, shelving, cupboard fronts and door/window reveals. Recycled hardwood has been used in joinery fronts, wet area bench tops & vanities and wall cladding.

TJ House
© Lightstudies
TJ House
© Lightstudies

Recycled red brick (with “frogs” out in some cases) provides a clear and obvious link to the most common material used in early Canberra building.

Rooms are designed as flexible spaces – the study has a large steel and glass sliding door that can be used to open or close that space from the main living area.The client created and built a drop down dining table that acts as a light box when lifted to the ceiling and not in use giving the living area more space for larger gatherings.

The high levels of interior thermal mass provided by the exposed concrete slab and brick walls assists in passive cooling of the apartment in summer, and allow for some direct thermal gain from morning sun in winter.

TJ House
© Lightstudies
TJ House
© Lightstudies
TJ House
© Lightstudies

The apartment provides a unique living setting for the owners and has the ability to be “opened and closed” as required during trips away – it is a low maintenance dwelling with excellent access to the facilities of the nearby city.


TJ House
© Lightstudies


TJ House
Detail 01
TJ House
Detail 02
TJ House
Detail 03
TJ House
Detail 04


TJ House
Floor Plan

Ben Walker Architects
T +61 402 256031
Ben Walker Architects
80 Majura Ave, Ainslie ACT 2602, Australia