The proposal for this small addition to a post war home in Tarragindi, included a design for future work to be undertaken in stages, to suit the clients requirements. To retain the scale and form of the existing home, the masterplan for the site was conceived as a ‘cluster’ of smaller structures, rather than an extension of the main house, or the addition of a single large structure attached to the back of the house, as is a common approach to home extensions.

The first stage of the masterplan is the construction of a new ‘parent’s retreat’, including main bedroom, ensuite, walk – in robe, private balcony, and a guest bedroom. This was accommodated in a long pavilion located to the western side of the existing house, with car accommodation below and a small link through the original rear porch.

The archetypal gable roof form of the new structure was inspired by the fast disappearing, post war, single car garages dotted throughout the suburb. The new pavilion is largely hidden from the street by the existing house and carport, and the natural topography of the site. The colour chosen was a dark grey, to ensure it didn’t dominate the garden or draw attention to itself, given the private nature of the spaces within. Hence, it becomes a ‘hideaway’ both from street and from the demands of family life.