The alterations and additions to an original brick cottage at Ettalong Beach incorporate a high level of insulation, airtightness, double glazed windows and mechanical ventilation to create a comfortable, low energy and healthy home for a growing family.
Openings are oriented to the north for winter sun and views to the ridge of nearby Blackwall Mountain are carefully framed so to be visible from every new space.
A modern architectural language at the rear contrasts strongly against the existing cottage, clearly defining the new works while resolving issues with a lack of connection to the large rear garden.
Architecture by LFA
Interiors by Huepoint and LFA
Built by Lou Projects
A pared back, highly refined off-form concrete structure with roof garden provides a waterfront refuge for relaxation and entertaining.
Architecture and interiors by LFA
Built by Hudson Lane
These semi-detached townhouses in Bronte provide two 3 bedroom homes that will enable a multi-generational living arrangement for the owners.
The design takes cues from the neighbouring houses, presenting a considered and respectful facade to the street that reflects the existing scale, height and materiality.
Behind the street facade, soaring roof pitches give some indication of the spatial quality of the interiors. High, raked ceilings and specifically located openings maximise natural light and ventilation while maintaining privacy and neighbouring amenity.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by HP Constructions
A companion dwelling to the neighbouring waterfront home, this house has been designed with a singular language in mind: a heavy landscaped podium is surmounted by a lightweight structure with expansive roofs over.
The details are highly restrained and add clarity and a sense of serenity that reflects the waterfront setting.
Architecture by LFA
Built by Hudson Lane
A new cottage style 4 bedroom house with separate garage and studio in Killcare.
The project was designed to achieve high levels of thermal insulation and airtightness for maximum comfort and minimal energy use. Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) construction, timber framed double glazed windows and doors, and Heat Recovery Ventilation System (HRV) ensures that the internal temperature of the house remains steady throughout the year. Further, the HRV provides a constant source of fresh and filtered outdoor air to the occupants, creating a healthy indoor environment.
In the more temperate times of the year house can be opened up to the outside spaces which include landscaped gardens, a sheltered courtyard, deck and plunge pool.
Architecture by LFA
Interiors by Pair Studio
Built by Lou Projects
A personal renovation project in East Gosford that is currently (always) under construction. The design references the details, textures and simplicity of the original house and overlays elements that cater for the requirements of simple modern living and passive environmental strategies.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Peter Laing, Max Richardson
A new rural house on a highly exposed site where extreme temperatures and winds are the norm.
The design is underpinned by both passive and technological environmental strategies and will be completely off-grid (power, water and wastewater). Materials are left in their natural state and, as much as possible, have been sourced through reclamation.
The plan is designed as two separable pavilions: one for living and one for sleep. Small sheltered courtyard and garden spaces open to each orientation. Vistas from the house are limited and instead, carefully placed openings frame a variety of settings as one moves through the building.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Lou Projects
A proposal for a new two storey home surrounded by original miners’ cottages and heritage listed buildings. The design provides for a respectful modern interpretation of the existing built context.
By maintaining a tiny, yet highly efficient building footprint, the small property is able to incorporate extensive areas of landscaping that help to complement the ambience and feeling of space in the internal spaces.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Samuel Thomas Constructions
Alterations and additions to a character filled beach shack in Copacabana, NSW. The two storey rear addition is a contemporary interpretation of the form of the existing house. The new plan creates a seamless connection from the new living spaces to the large backyard via a large sliding door that can be concealed within the exterior walls when fully open.
A new foyer is created with hardwood sliding screens - these also provide a level of flexibility by creating a series of multi-functional spaces. Otherwise, work to the old house is minimised and highly selective so that the original style and detailing is maintained.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by JAG Constructions
Alterations and additions to a semi-detached townhouse in Bondi open up the previously cramped and dark living spaces at the rear to provide a better connection to the back yard and increased natural light and ventilation.
The project was approved as complying development and took less than 6 months from concept to completion.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by DCB
A space generously gifted by the building owner to OzHarvest has been adapted to function as a restaurant and cafe.
The concept for the design was to provide an uplifting space where the diners could experience a high level of comfort and a feeling of safety and security. To achieve this the design had three primary strategies. Firstly, the original heritage fabric was gently revealed to expose the materiality and textures and to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Secondly, part of the existing first floor was peeled back to form a double height space with generous natural light and ventilation to give the diners a connection to the natural world. And lastly, a series of different spaces are provided that offer degrees of privacy and intimacy depending on the needs of each individual.
Architecture by LFA
Interiors by Frost Design
Built by DCB
A new terrace for eating and drinking is located on the northern side of the existing Club and with views over the Golf Course and Shelly Beach.
A mix of sheltered and exposed, larger and more intimate spaces are defined through the introduction of built-in planters, changes in level and timber pergolas.
Architecture by LFA
Built by Unique Building Partners
This project includes alterations and additions to an existing fibro cottage in Avalon. The concept is to maximise the usable living space by using the whole site.
Two major design moves to achieve this are made: firstly a wrap-around verandah on the north and eastern sides of the house open up the existing cramped living spaces, providing outlook, sun and air, and secondly a new roof is proposed to create the feeling of shelter, allowing the new outdoor spaces to be used all year round and in inclement weather. Large slide-away doors open the living spaces completely to the outside.
Architecture by LFA
Interiors by Laura Cook
Built by Elwood Building Co
A lightweight, airy studio for a property in Springfield with views to Rumbalara hill and lots of open sky above. The design is affected by flooding and therefore the house has been raised high off the ground to accommodate. Due to the proximity of the existing house to the new studio, openings are provided at a higher level than usual so that privacy is protected but northern sun is made accessible. The resultant, highly bespoke windows, which were deigned in conjunction with the builder and carpenter on site, provide abstract views to the ridge line to the north and the ever changing sky above.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Lou Projects
From the very beginning of the design process for this studio project set in a Flame Zone area, careful consideration was given to the materiality and construction details to ensure that a refined and comfortable space could be achieved without being compromised by the stringent requirements of the Bushfire Code.
The studio is divided into two pavilions which are connected by a visually simple flat roof and a highly permeable corridor formed from semi-transparent operable walls. The space between provides a framed view of the bush land behind the building. One pavilion is given over to living spaces and has a northern aspect for winter sun as well as connections to the covered patio space and yard. The other is more cloistered for privacy and is for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Recycled brickwork is used to juxtapose between the solid pavilions and the clear void formed between the two.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Lou Projects
An international competition, LFA was shortlisted as one of five practices to present a developed concept for the design of a new train station in Frankston, Victoria.
(in collaboration with Andrew Shaper Architect - Stage 1 and 2 and SJB - Stage 2)
