Rethink | A New Perspective

from est Magazine Issue #38 | Evolve

by est magazine

Rethink | Pitch Perfect

Rethink |A New Perspective

Four Australian architects and designers each pursue an existing home’s renewed potential through adaptive reuse and mindful reinvention.

WORDS Sophie Lewis | PHOTOGRAPHY Katherine Lu, Rory Gardiner, Shannon McGrath, Ross Honeysett

Solid Geometry

Smart Design Studio

DESIGN Smart Design Studio | PHOTOGRAPHY Ross Honeysett, Katherine Lu

Smart Design Studio encouraged a Federation house in Clovelly, Sydney to turn over a new leaf without upsetting its neighbours. The studio found middle ground by going up, undoing a poorlyplanned addition and replacing it with a white geometric silhouette of the existing home, fit for its ocean outlook.

Smart Design Studio founder and creative director William Smart says sustainability and durability were a driving force in the cohesive redesign. Their approach was simple: use honest materials made for the harsh seaside location and retain parts of the original home where possible. “The extension’s interiors are minimal and white, but they work with elements of the original building that have been retained,” William says.

Working to the challenges of southern orientation has made way for a sunlit, airy kitchen and dining room with a deck overlooking the lower garden and beach; topped by a bedroom and ensuite above that also share unobstructed views.

The design seeks to integrate and merge the old and new. This approach has created a cohesive outcome where the original fabric from the previous addition and the changes are unified as one. Rethinking original roof pitches and wall proportions has allowed this house to be harmonious with its neighbours.

– Smart Design Studio founder and creative director William Smart