A home renovation by architects, for architects

Marcus began the design process, as he often does, by focusing on the orientation of the block.

"If you start with that as a priority it often acts as a design generator and the rest of the design flows from that," he says. "So we concentrated on running the extension down the southern side of the block as far as we could, setting it back from the north side to get as much sun as possible."

This allowed space on the northern edge of the property to be landscaped and turned into a beautiful garden that catches lots of sunlight. The main living area was designed to look out onto this space with a line of large windows. This gives the effect of the internal spaces feeling part of the garden, and the garden feeling like another room. 

Marcus ensured that the living room - along with the rest of the house - would receive as much sunlight as possible during the winter, and that eaves and overhanging vines would provide shade in summer, keeping the place cool but well lit.

On the second level of the rear extension, Marcus designed a long bedroom with an ensuite, which became his and Nicky's bedroom. This upper level opens out onto a small balcony, another example of the blurring of boundaries between internal and external. 

Grey zincalume panels on the outside of the rear of the house provide a link with the corrugated iron roof of the original house and reflect sunlight back into the garden. "The plants just love it," says Marcus. "They're growing like crazy out here."

And Nicky loves it too. She loves the way the light slants in through carefully placed windows and skylights; she loves the hidden pantry and the two bathrooms; she loves the way the interior of the house feels like part of the garden.

As for Marcus, an architect for over 20 years, he says that in many ways this design brings to bear the experience of his many years in the industry.

"You carry the successful things through to the next project and drop off things that don't work," he says. "I'd like to think I've learnt a few things along the way."

Marcus O'Reilly

Marcus O'Reilly Architects

What were you trying to achieve with your design of the new dwelling?

Orientation towards the sun was the primary consideration. I looked at the orientation of the block and ran the extension along the southern side down as far as we could, setting it back from the north side to get as much north sun as possible.

Getting the orientation right, is that important?

I think so, even to the point of juggling the house design around a bit in order to get it right. There are plenty of ways, even in awkward-facing houses, to get the north sun, including internal courtyards. If you start with that idea it can be a design generator and the rest flows from that.

Is there anything you would have done differently in retrospect?

Not really. This design is a progression of a number of different houses so I'd like to think that I've learned along the way. You carry the successful things through to the next one and drop off things that don't work. We're pretty happy with it.

Why did you choose this house to buy and renovate?

It's Edwardian, and it suited a more contemporary version put on at the back. With some houses, when you want to do a contemporary renovation, you can often encounter issues. 

When did the landscaping occur?

As soon as we took down the scaffolding from the upstairs part we started on the stonework. And we had it fully planted within a month of moving in. We moved in in August and we wanted the plants to get all that spring growth and get established before summer. 

Nicky

What were your own main priorities for the renovations?

I wanted each of us to have a space of our own, and living areas that were informal and light. The renovation has given us an office for Marcus and the other architects who work here, a meeting room, space for two teenage boys, an upstairs bedroom/retreat with a great outlook, and two bathrooms.

Did you have much input into the design?

There was quite a lot of discussion and debate along the way, as I am very interested in design and already had some experience renovating. As the architect is also my partner, there was plenty of animated discussion about the design. Occasionally we resolved our differences by flipping a coin!

Which rooms/features/aspects of the new house do you love, and why?

I love the way the house feels part of the garden from whichever room you're in. I also really like the angles and the light slanting across rooms through elongated skylights and windows. In winter it catches whatever light is available and feels very warm. 

Is there anything you would change about the process if you were to go through it again?

Renovating always has its moments. Apart from the obvious financial investment, there are major decisions to be made, plus many smaller decisions. As you go it's not always clear which issues are cause for concern and which are peripheral. I think it's possible to do a renovation too quickly.

Does the living room, with its north-facing windows, get hot in summer?

It did when we first moved in. We always intended to put up sun screens but in the rush to move in they got put off. We've now installed long metal blades across the main windows and retractable blinds. Also, the vines and garden are rapidly creating shade across the living area.