Excerpt: K2 House, designed by FMD Architects, consists of angular forms deriving from the tight planning constraints and extending through the upper floor. The site’s constraints draw lines through the building, creating reference points to inform the elements. The project’s growth and versatility are testament to the enduring merits of quality design, utilizing the existing house envelope, strategic skylights, and angled ceiling lines.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] K2 House is the second stage upper floor extension to a renovation completed by fmd architects in 2008. The original brief for a young bachelor was revised to meet the needs of a young family with pets. The clients wanted to maintain the initial design intent while adding further versatile spaces to a bustling home.
The original design intent of angular forms deriving from the tight planning constraints extends through the upper floor of stage 2. This cohesion of external and internal forms is further expressed through the light-reflecting faceted internal elements on the dark exterior with triangular metal cladding and geometric forms wrapping around the deck area and new build. The perforated metal elements provide privacy, shelter, and shade whilst creating a sense of depth and transparency to the extension.
The site’s constraints draw lines through the building, creating reference points to inform the large triangular window and bar joinery in the new upper-floor lounge. This idea continues through the bathroom, stair balustrade, and joinery details, creating dynamic and structural spaces throughout the house.
As with the former renovation, retaining the existing building footprint was a key consideration, as outdoor spaces were already limited replanning within the envelope to achieve the required spatial and environmental considerations were major drivers behind the design approach. Hence the dwelling went vertical with a first-floor extension including a new living space, deck area, and bedroom with a walk-in robe. In order to fit within council setbacks and adhere to street sight lines, the extension is concealed from view from the street, and internal areas are worked into the existing roof line, maximising all available space.
The project’s growth and versatility are a testament to the enduring merits of quality design; by utilising the existing house envelope along with strategic skylights and angled ceiling lines – the extension enables the dwelling and family a new life whilst maximising the footprint of a small property.
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