Faced with a sloping site and an already existing house, Chris Knapp / Built-Environment Practice was restricted as to what kind of addition could be built onto this Australian holiday house called The Dragonfly. The compact addition adds an additional sleeping and living space, a sauna, outdoor shower, and garden patio, acting as a retreat for its homeowners.
Employing Australian cypress, hoop pine, copper, and glass to blend into the surrounding environment, the extension creates an indoor/outdoor connection making it look like it belongs rather than as an afterthought.
The roof plane and floor plans were strategically designed to highlight the surrounding views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged hillside, while at the same time providing shelter from the sun.
Windows are placed throughout and at varying heights, framing the lush green surroundings.
A built-in writing desk was integrated into the compact room’s design and continues behind the bed creating a headboard.
Photos by Owen McGoldrick.
