Revitalizing Tradition: Hawthorn Hood House
A Redefinition of Home
The Hawthorn Hood House project, undertaken by BENT Architecture, began with a simple request from clients—a couple of professionals with young twins—to design a renovation extension for their existing house in a neighboring suburb. However, early investigations revealed significant limitations, particularly regarding solar orientation. Recognizing the challenges, the architects embarked on a search for a new house and site better suited to the clients’ long-term needs. After careful consideration, a suitable site was acquired, and design discussions commenced promptly, resulting in a light-filled and engaging ‘forever’ home that met all the clients’ requirements.
Honoring Heritage: Integrating the Past with the Present
The original house possessed a strong period character and was protected by a Heritage overlay. Rather than disregarding its form and materiality, the architects chose to engage with and reinterpret its defining characteristics. Emphasis was placed on the grand proportions of the existing interior spaces and the highly articulated terracotta roof form. The project began with the removal of a previous extension at the rear of the home, followed by a reprogramming of the floor plan to maximize sunlight exposure in the rear yard.
Harmonizing Old and New
The bedrooms and utilities were retained within the original home and its spacious roof form, while new living areas were added to the north of the original house to capitalize on northern sunlight and provide views of the backyard and pool. These new living spaces, positioned strategically, echo the grandeur of the original interiors. Externally, they reclaim the roof of the original house, folding down at the rear to accommodate the functions within while paying homage to the surrounding rooflines of the heritage neighborhood. This approach not only revitalizes the traditional elements of the home but also harmonizes them with contemporary design principles, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
