SHADOW HOUSE

"Shadow House" is an alteration and addition project that harmoniously blends old and new elements while celebrating the beauty of nature and natural light. The new addition, clad in charred jarrah, gracefully recedes into the background, allowing the original circa 1900 cottage to maintain its prominence and heritage within the streetscape.

Mindful of its environmental impact, the addition incorporates many reclaimed materials. The expansive living area extends southwest to northeast, boasting a raking roofline that captures the morning sun and brings the life of the jacaranda trees into the space, while the afternoon sun energizes the living activities until sundown.

Tucked away in the southern corner, a separate studio with a private courtyard features a dark timber-lined interior, offering a focused and tranquil guest suite. An airy atrium buffers the living area and studio, showcasing a warm raw jarrah-lined courtyard that invites a moment of pause upon entering the backyard.

The contrasting integration of old and new structures creates a multitude of atmospheric spaces, each characterised by dynamic lighting and raw materials throughout the day. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage fluid and unimpeded daily living, making life delightful and inspiring for the inhabitants.

Conceived as an attempt in thoughtful design, both environmentally and experientially, the Shadow House offers a living experience bathed in natural light and embraced by the landscape. Its environmentally conscious construction allows the client to be inspired while remaining aware of living well.

The name, Shadow House, goes beyond an architectural description. It represents a metaphorical exploration into the unseen dimensions of architecture: the 'shadows' of resources, labour, economic, and environmental footprints that every built form inevitably casts. Each element, from the charred Jarrah exterior to the reclaimed materials and furniture incorporated throughout the house, tells a story of intentional and conscious construction.
The design focuses on reducing these 'shadows' to the barest minimum, creating a building that embodies our principles of supporting the clients' lives and broader cultures through beautiful architecture. At Shadow House, the 'shadow' is not merely acknowledged; it is harnessed and transformed into a tangible resource, something to be carefully considered and skillfully manipulated to shape the quality of lived experiences.
Drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and darkness, the design treats the shadow as a dynamic element, using it to breathe life and drama into the spaces. The expansive living area, cloaked in the warmth of raw plywood, basks in the glow of the changing day. Here, shadows become co-creators of ambiance, painting ever-changing patterns on the floor and walls, fostering a constant dialogue between the built form and the passing of time.
Throughout the building process, local community members were drawn to the project, often pausing on their walks to marvel at its cathedral-like scale and form. Their intrigue and appreciation spoke volumes about the capacity of well-designed architecture to intrigue, inspire, and elevate our communities. This power to stir curiosity and wonder affirms the intrinsic value of good architecture and its vital role in shaping our living spaces and the built environment.
The story of Shadow House also highlights the pride and craftsmanship that went into its creation. The lead carpenter, responsible for the skeletal timber structure, initially found the project challenging. However, he rose to the occasion with exceptional skill, and his work became a fundamental component of the design's success. In a gesture that underscored the magnitude of his perseverance, he brought his parents to see the completed structure, taking immense pride in his work. This personal milestone encapsulates the project's impact, extending beyond its inhabitants to those involved in its construction, reaffirming the power and reach of Architecture.
With immense respect and gratitude, we recognize the extraordinary skill and meticulousness of Pete and Tanya, our clients and owner/builders. Their diligent efforts in sourcing materials, charring and cladding the exterior, lining the interior, and executing numerous other tasks throughout the construction and landscaping process were integral to the project's success. Without them, the project would neither exist nor possess the distinct qualities that it does. The high level of attention to detail that they demonstrated in their role as owner/builders is truly commendable and rare, and we are deeply appreciative of their contribution.
Shadow House is more than just a dwelling. It is a testament to our studio's belief in the power of architecture to positively affect our lives, and a tribute to the gentle beauty of light and shadow, those elusive yet omnipresent companions of material and form.