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Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Most architects would probably disappear from a tiny, triangular site like this in Melbourne, Australia. But not OOF! Architecturewho turned a cottage that turned into a Victorian group in a compact home, appointed Acute houseFor a modern family. The original cottage sat seriously limited plots in a neighborhood rich requirements of character and conservation. The design team was given permission to build over 100% of the site, which eliminated any possibility of a traditional garden or outdoor courtyard. Instead of seeing it as a loss, OOF! They integrated what they call “virtual gardening” in the heart of the house: an internal vertical garden with passers on lawn, hanging plants, aquatic characteristics and sunshine outlets from each room. The stairs itself doubles as well as circulation and biophilic experience.
In line with the spirit in the neighborhood and under the strict protection of heritage, architects have taken a painful process of rescue and reuse of original materials – from the fence to remove the fence and twisted on the network to notice doors, ventilation doors, and even street numbers. Each piece is carefully removed, marked, saved, and then reinstalled in the original location on a new, structurally sound bracket. Therefore, most of the original charm remains, but in a fresh, new way.
This preservation – the first philosophy not only retains only the soul of the original structure, but it increases through the contrast. Older materials are now proud to sit on a modern background of a sleek wood, recycled hardwood and double-sided windows – creating a dialogue between the past and present.
Given the geometry of the awkward place, the traditional one- or two-stage Floorplan would not be enough. Instead, the acute house is arranged at the level with a division, with a vertical staircase that provides both visual privacy and functional separation without the need for internal walls or corridors. This creates fluid, continuous life experience, without a lost space or dead.
Sliding windows in the entire height in the main living room Open a home like a veranda, inviting open. The result is a breathable space that is a breathable light that feels much larger than their feet suggests.
While the acute house could not take the water or roof salaries due to heritage and restrictions on the space, they integrate a multitude of sustainable strategies. The narrow print and open staircase allow portable ventilation for optimal airflow, while strategic windows and roof windows are provided to the folk light during the year. Ecological materials, such as Australian plantation forests, plywood and recycled linings reduce the environmental protection with long lasting and minimal maintenance. Finally, the installation of hydronic floor for hydrochlipability of high efficiency and gas solar heating heaters, help reduce house relying on traditional utilities.
The new new format in the shape of a wedge is not only adjusted to its solid place – it reinterprets local residence. Its sharply corner lines and modern linings echo the shapes of surrounding cottages while confidently stood as an intervention of the 21st century. This design strategy is what OOF! Calls “Roma” in the neighborhood – recognition of the past without imitation and instead is the vision of adaptive heritage.
Immediately than the stairs between the two floors is covered with an open space for enjoying the view of the neighborhood and fresh air.
For more information about an acute house or OOF! Architecture, Visit oof.net.au.
Photography NIC Granleise.