hamilton walled garden house

work in progress

2021 - ongoing

The alterations to this family home sought to refine and open up a historical brick cottage in the heart of Hamilton. The key moves were to acquire existing kitchen space into a new open plan kitchen/living/dining and add a new wing to accommodate the new master bedroom and ensuite. Restraint was used to ensure limited alterations and additions create maximum spatial enhancement for the family, without adding a second storey or overwhelming the existing outdoor space.

The brief ensured that the existing garden area was to be strongly incorporated into the design and anchor of the new additions. A recycled brick extension provides for the improved living spaces under the existing roofline. Operable glazing allows this space to spill out onto the garden, while generous ceiling levels and high level glazing opens the house up to the north to capture natural light and breeze on site. 

The central garden is bordered by a timber screen, providing much needed privacy to this prominent corner site, whilst also allowing for vines and vertical planters to grow and encapsulate the green courtyard space. A secondary courtyard, nestled into the new wing between master bedroom and ensuite, creates a private, light-filled sanctuary. Behind the privacy of a brick screen, operable timber louvres also connects the master bedroom to the main courtyard, giving the sense of being surrounded by garden.