14 Windward Avenue

This project extends the life of and celebrates the original Sydney School house, whose modest and cost effective approach to design and building was an important part of the development of the difficult sites on the Balmoral slopes. The update included a similarly honest approach to materials and detailing, with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and finishes. The resultant home is well equipped to provide delightful and sustainable shelter for this and future families.

Sustainability

This project is about adapting and improving a modest, economically designed Sydney School house so that it is ready for the future. Working with the existing structure and materials we opened up rooms, insulated and improved the building envelope, connected the different levels and sustainably addressed water and power supply.

Innovative sustainable design elements:

In keeping with the nature of the existing house, the sustainable design elements are simple and inherent to the design. Good orientation coupled with an improved building envelope (walls, floors, ceilings and windows/doors), good cross ventilation, solar hot water heating and water tanks are some of the ideas.

Environmental footprint of the building is minimised by:

The most important idea was to keep as much of the existing building as possible. Changes to floor levels and the roof of the living area enabled the lower floor to achieve habitable ceiling height. Additionally, all new materials were chosen with their longevity and environmental benefits in mind.