Stickybeak: A Smart Solution for the Sought-After Northern Sun
A long, narrow footprint with a carved-out courtyard makes the most of passive-solar design principles
Northern light is the holy grail in passive-solar house design, but not every house is naturally orientated to receive the best of the sun. This Edwardian cottage in Melbourne is on a long and narrow east-west block with the rear of the house facing west and close neighbours to the north and south. So how to bring in northern light? This was the challenge the eponymous founder of Sarah Lake Architects faced when her clients wanted to create a new extension to improve access to outdoor spaces and sunlight. Lake designed a long and narrow addition with a courtyard carved out of the northern site to bring in the sought-after sun for natural light and warmth.
Wanting to receive year-round northern light and be protected from the western sun, Lake orientated the extension and courtyard to the north.
The interior spaces are then planned around the ‘pinch point’ with the kitchen and dining area just beyond the threshold of the existing cottage, and the living area at the far end. “The living spaces expand and contract around the courtyard based on functional requirements,” says Lake. “They are connected but not your typical open plan.”
The glazing surrounding the courtyard allows for visual and physical access from the living, dining and kitchen areas to the outdoor space. It also lets natural light filter inside with winter sun penetrating deep into the narrow plan, while the eaves and polycarbonate sheeting prevent summer-heat gain.
While the interior spaces are modest, the high ceilings and full-height glazing make them feel more generous. High-level louvre windows positioned across from low-level windows encourage cross ventilation, as cooler air is drawn in from the south and warmer air expelled to the north.
As the clients wanted raw, recycled, durable and low-maintenance materials, Lake selected products that don’t require painting or resealing. This includes burnished-concrete floors, porcelain benchtops, galvanised steel, and recycled-wood composite cladding and decking.
“The extension contrasts in brightness and materials to the existing cottage,” says Lake. White joinery provides a light backdrop to the kitchen, while the dark, faceted and angled kitchen island mimics the form of the extension.
In opening the house to the north, the clients also wanted to turn their backs on the neighbouring units to the south. A reverse concrete-block veneer wall does just that and, like the concrete-slab floor, it harnesses the heat of the winter sun.
Windows and doors open the living area to the north and west for ventilation and surrounding garden views.
Standard grey concrete block: Austral Masonry
Windows and doors open the living area to the north and west for ventilation and surrounding garden views.
Standard grey concrete block: Austral Masonry
Joinery provides storage for books and games, while window seats offer places to enjoy that sought-after northern sun.
Firebox fireplace: Jetmaster
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Firebox fireplace: Jetmaster
Tell us
What feature of this home sparks your interest? Tell us what you love about the design in the Comments, like and share this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Interested in learning how passive-solar principles can improve your home design and reduce your power bills? Find an architect near you for some tailored advice for your home and site
Who lives here: A family of three and their dog, Billie
Location: Yarraville, Victoria
Size: 115 square metres
Architect: Sarah Lake Architects
The extension to the Edwardian cottage doubles the size of the existing home’s footprint with a simple gable form that stretches into the backyard.
The couple wanted a robust, low-maintenance, ‘hose-down’ house, which influenced the materials palette: fibre cement, composite wood, corrugated sheeting, concrete block and aluminium. “It means little upkeep and provides a contrast to the existing weatherboard home,” says Lake.
Barestone cladding: Cemintel; natural Zinaclumne corrugated sheeting: Bluescope; EnviroSlat composite wood: Futurewood