Charlie's Place

This project was always about relationships. First designer – client, than builder (already in a relationship with the designer) – client, how the building relates to the built and natural environment and not least how the different building materials relate to give the building its individuality.

Being a renovation of a seventies austerity style 2 storey double brick home, the design challenge was to create a building that would be well conceived in its own right rather than being compromised by the older structure. The home had originally been built by the clients father (hence the name Charlie), creating a philosophical desire to respect his original work and wherever possible recycle the materials he had chosen.

Internally all doors are floor to ceiling to create corridors, comfort zones and maximise airflow. The built in joinery, kitchen and bathrooms are fully integrated in their design detail. An exposed aggregate super polished floor adds to the minimalist beach holiday feel.

A strong emphasis was placed on the relation of the materials, in that they reflect similar attributes, harmonise with each other and age gracefully. Pre-weathered zinc was chosen for fascias, barges, gutters & parapet for its long life cycle and beautiful patina. The Tallowwood and Ironbark weather boards are turning to driftwood silver grey. The granite for the columns (all cut & hewn on site to create a dry stone effect), the use of coloured render, off form and polished concrete finishes all add to a sense of timeless architecture.