Hidden behind a 1950’s rendered brick cottage, the Clerestory House addition was designed from a sectional study of the existing site conditions. With north to the street and an available building footprint to the south of the cottage, the boldly contrasting addition lifts itself up over the existing roofline to allow sunlight to penetrate deep into the new spaces through a continuous strip of clerestory windows along the full length of the building.

The interiors of the house are playful, warm, and inviting. Clean-lined white joinery units are embellished with hints of timber and copper. White painted Flemish bond reverse brick veneer walls add a subtle texture and, in addition to the burnished concrete floors, significantly improve thermal mass within the house.

The highlight of the design is the beautifully sculptural ceiling treatment, which is a result of the implementation of a custom reverse truss roofline. Lined in plywood to match the exterior soffits, the ceiling’s materiality blurs the line between internal and external spaces. Transformative planning and detailing has allowed this once dilapidated cottage to offer its owners invigorating spaces that enhance family living whilst also improving thermal sustainability.