Sun Room is an addition to a mid-century, hill-side home in the Adelaide Hills which included upgrades to the original residence and outbuildings.
Photos: Sam Noonan
Skein were engaged to develop a design for the home which had been in the family since built. The home is set on a steep site with amazing views to the east valley and great existing features such as hand-laid rock garden walls, gorgeous vegetation and established trees and a swimming pool.
The house functioned well but required a design that better connected the indoor and outdoor spaces and celebrated the landscape. External areas were small, damp and shaded and as such, were under utilised and filled with clutter.
A large portion of the site to the rear of the house was excavated and a kitchen and preparation area were stitched on to the existing living space, opening up views to a steeply sloping backyard. Excavating this portion of the site enabled the integration of a sun-soaked external courtyard and a stepped kitchen garden. Natural light was then easily directed into the kitchen area allowing site view to bookend the living spaces.
The result is a functional sun room that sits between valley and ridge-line and the material selections and finishes lend themselves to a quiet and peaceful space. Externally, the courtyard garden connects the kitchen to an existing upper-level rumpus room.
New joinery by local artisan woodworker Justin Hermes Design, which including a dining table and kitchen side table, were integrated into the design and cues taken form the material and finishes selections to highlight the treasured pieces.
Architect: Skein
Engineer: Triaxial Consulting Engineers
Builder: City to Sea Constructions