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Haines House by Christopher Polly

Architect Christopher Polly has designed a gem that blurs the line between indoors and out. Located in Newtown, Sydney, Australia, the existing single-story semi-detached home received a facelift and a new addition to help bring the new rear garden indoors. The new addition not only improves the owner’s view, but provides more ventilation and natural light into the home. A large part of the existing dwelling was maintained, including the existing bathroom.

From the architect:

…The low roof height served to establish a datum that scribed the alignment of all elements wrapped around the interior of the rear volume, setting the heights of the rear steel door head and sliding doors, timber board wall and laundry unit linings and new wall heights of the retained bathroom. Fixed highlight glazing finely connects these newly established bathroom wall heights with the singular ceiling plane, enclosing it from surrounding spaces while borrowing light from three directions.

An arrangement of fine steel plate supports and highlight windows march along the entire low roof, bridging the high and low roofs and wrapping to the rear to enable access to natural ventilation, views to neighbouring landscapes, sky and natural light from somewhat challenged eastern and southern orientations – while pocket concealed sliding doors extend the living spaces onto a roofed terrace that directly connects to the enclosed private garden beyond.

The provision of two living spaces enables vital separation of adult and children functions. The rear open plan volume provides a ‘day’ space for meals preparation, eating and expansive enjoyment of the rear garden, while the upper living room provides an ‘evening’ space for watching TV, reading and separation from utilities. A third room as a study provides flexibility for a future bedroom. A long ‘working wall’ accommodates a kitchen and ample joinery storage, extending outside to incorporate a second toilet.

Architect: Christopher Polly
Location: Newtown, Sydney, Australia
Project Team: Christopher Polly
Structural Engineer: Simpson Design Associates
Builder: Paul King Pty Ltd
Photography: Brett Boardman

Jaime Derringer, Founder + Executive Editor of Design Milk, is a Jersey girl living in SoCal. She dreams about funky, artistic jewelry + having enough free time to enjoy some of her favorite things—running, reading, making music, and drawing.