S01E15* Altering Character Houses & Buildings

There are numerous things to consider when extending or renovating a character or traditional houses & Buildings. Councils will have their own acceptable solutions and requirements. This is something that I have encountered in various projects while working at Focus Architecture. Many people that live in a character house will want or need to extend the property to cater for changing lifestyle or needs. Traditionally this extra space was achieved with enclosing verandah’s and more recently has been either building underneath or extending.However it’s the aim of the council to ensure that any alterations are done in a sympathetic way to maintain the form and character of the original building and to ensure that the original streetscape is maintained and preserved. 

This is a Project in Kangaroo point which I have recently designed while working at Focus Architecture. The house is a traditional character house with a modern extension at the rear. The new extension follows the guidelines defined as part of altering character houses within Brisbane.

Firstly the new extension has been built at the rear this maintains the original streetscape and doesn't detract from the character of the street.

The extension doesn't conflict with the already established roof shape or pitch and also maintains the original ridge line. 

The extension doesn't try to mimic the original style of the house, Instead the extension shows a clear point of difference from the existing house creating a clear visual break. This has been achieved using both a change in wall cladding and openings but still maintaining the lightweight style of construction.

* I have attached information which I have sourced directly from Brisbane City Council website which explains appropriate and inappropriate solutions and also provides examples for altering character houses and buildings

Building on to the house Adding an extension

• Make the new work sympathetic but do not try to mimic the style of the existing house
• Build at the rear to maintain the streetscape presence of the character house
• Distinguish old from new minor extensions by setting back the new wall line a minimum of 500mm from the existing wall or create a clear visual break, such as an expansion joint, changes in wall cladding, a recess or a full-height opening. 

The pavilion extension is a highly recommended way of increasing the size of a traditional house. The pavilion extension, although occupying yard space, allows for the retention of the original form, its relationship to the ground, and the streetscape character of the earlier building. It enables modern facilities and lifestyle preferences to be incorporated into the new extension. 

Inappropriate extensions

• Inappropriate use of materials such as masonry as opposed to lightweight construction
• Extending into the roof to create more space or to take advantage of views
• Extending the form of the building without a clear visual break
• Additions which overhang the existing building
• Additions which significantly alter the shape and character of the original roof

Examples of altering character houses and buildings

Suitable

Suitable contemporary extension: a major rear extension separated by an unobtrusive, glaze or partially open link to the house.		ü
Suitable traditional extension: the extension is well differentiated as a minor volume attached to the house.		ü

Unsuitable

Unsuitable extension: a rear skillion-roof extension in masonry and built on a concrete slab.		û
Unsuitable extension particularly on a street corner: a rear extension extruding the built form. Roof-line creates a bulky out-of-scale building in the street.		û

I hope you Enjoy.

The Architect of Tomorrow..