Garden Retreat

Architect: Logan Studio Architecture

Castlemaine | 24

Building Description

Located in Castlemaine, this project is a contemporary addition to a double-fronted Victorian family home. The site is situated opposite the Castlemaine North Primary School, in a largely intact heritage pocket of Castlemaine, just beyond the heritage zone.

The client’s brief was to create a new parents’ zone which would provide separation from their teenage children. The approach was to leave the original house intact and create an appropriately scaled, minimalist box to sit comfortably next to the Victorian weatherboard, taking advantage of the wide block.

The design strategy was to assign more of the budget to creating a well insulated protective container than building a complicated design; the resulting interior spaces are simple, peaceful and functional.

Corten steel was chosen as a robust, low maintenance, lasting cladding material with tones reflecting the earthy palette of the surrounding landscape. The use of controlled natural light and ventilation, a strong connection with the garden, and acoustic dampening all enhance the sense of “calm retreat”.

The design allows surrounding trees to become focal points for the bedroom and study. From the street, the extension sits discreetly behind a Japanese maple. A small deck attached to the bedroom provides a private place to sit and read.

What's On

Guided tour led by architect Katrina Logan. Meet on street in front of side driveway. Shoes off to enter the house.