Upside Down House

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis

UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE

Sibling Architecture

ARCHITECTS
Sibling Architecture

MANUFACTURERS
Abet Laminati, Appiani, Austral Bricks, Elton Group, Artedomus, National Masonry

PHOTOGRAPHS
Christine Francis

AREA
180 m²

YEAR
2021

LOCATION
Abbotsford, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses, Renovation, House Interiors

Upside Down House is an alteration and additions to a single storey Victorian terrace for a growing family of four including Daisy the golden retriever.

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis
Upside Down House
© Christine Francis

An undulating roof form on the new first floor is punctuated with large west-facing skylights that reveal the changing sky.

A golden and reflective ceiling lining to this sculptural roof form transforms the house into a giant heliostat, drawing light deep into the ground level areas of the existing terrace.

The ceiling also acts to animate the house as people and pets move through the space. The act of living is projected back to the occupants in fleeting ways – capturing playful communication and presenting an alternative perspective of everyday life.

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis
Upside Down House
© Christine Francis

The gold throughout the home cheekily references the livelihood of the clients.

Our response to the brief and site maximises floor plan whilst respecting the close living conditions of the neighbours.

Custom screening to glazing throughout the upper level mediates the views in and out of spaces, to ensure privacy to adjacent dwellings whilst maximising light intake.

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis
Upside Down House
© Christine Francis

Large south-facing window and terrace provides views of the city, neighbouring rooftops and local trees, whilst deftly avoiding neighbouring private open space.

Custom screening to glazing throughout the upper level mediates the views in and out of spaces, to ensure privacy to adjacent dwellings whilst maximising light intake.

A new roof terrace to the front expands the first-floor living spaces externally, connecting residents with activity on the street below.

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis
Upside Down House
© Christine Francis

A beautiful existing brick chimney is central to the terrace and forms a strong focal point whilst providing a perspective of domestic life and Carlton North heritage that is not commonly experienced.

Upside Down House
© Christine Francis
Upside Down House
© Christine Francis


Upside Down House
Section
Upside Down House
Plans


Upside Down House
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