The Shadow House — Designed by Nic Owen Architects
“ Extending heritage homes respectfully is a challenge. Allowing this addition to recede into the shadows was the sensitive approach. ”
Lunchbox Architect delivers an inspiring (affordable) architecturally designed home or renovation every weekday — just in time for your lunch break. Bite-sized stories that are perfect for home builders/renovators — or just daydreamers. Instead of battling the sushi line, settle down with a sandwich and check out what innovative project is in the lunchbox today. Enjoy!
— Brodie
Recently Dished Up on Lunchbox Architect
Hungry for more?
350+ projects waiting to be devoured...A Taste of our Collections...
Collection
House Plans
Find a range of house plans for your inspiration. From one bedroom houses to larger family homes, you're sure to find the house plans you need here.
Collection
Concrete Houses
Concrete can be many things, massive, sculptural, raw. It's a beautiful material to use for houses and can bring great thermal mass and raw beauty to a home.
Collection
Plywood
Plywood is hot right now. It's affordable, versatile and has a wonderful natural warmth. That's right. Our old friend plywood is no longer relegated to the temporary hoarding around building sites or the makeshift desks of impoverished students *looks down at plywood desk disappointedly*. No, plywood has gone internal. Check out some of our plywood-loving homes...
Collection
Plywood Kitchen
Plywood kitchens have become very popular - I even designed one for my Mum and Dad. Plywood kitchens feel rich, warm and authentic.
Collection
Staircases
Staircases come in all shapes and sizes, but the best examples of staircases are features of the home in and of themselves.
Collection
Skylights
Skylights are a brilliant way to bring natural light into the home - especially when you're in a built up area with no sweeping vistas.
Collection
Joinery
Joinery can be expensive to build, but the payoffs are huge. Whether it's designed to hide everything away, or to put your favourite items on show, clever joinery can make the most of even the smallest spaces. And the difference between well-made, quality joinery and the stuff you pick up from IKEA speaks for itself in how well it lasts and how long it looks fantastic (good joinery won't peel). Check out some of the Joinery projects featured on Lunchbox Architect for some inspiration for your own project.
Collection
Shipping Container Houses
If you've used the Internet recently (and I *know* you have),
you will have seen articles like "7 Shipping Container Homes that will Blow Your Freaking Mind" or "You'll Never Guess What's Inside This Shipping Container" (Spoiler: It's an adorable, pint-sized house).
Yep. Shipping Container Houses are all the rage on the
Internet. And for good reason. With a bit of skill, a shipping container can be transformed into a beautiful, low-cost, environmentally friendly home.
I say a bit of skill because, despite what some advocates (read: marketers) would have you believe, building a container home isn't much easier than building a traditional house. In some ways it's even harder!
Collection
Carpet
Warm and comfortable underfoot, carpet can make a living area or bedroom feel more cozy and welcoming. You can also be bold with carpet colours.
Collection
Timber Kitchens
Timber kitchens feel warm and welcoming in any home. Timber in the kitchen makes this area feel less stark and can be a statement.
Collection
Concrete Floors
Concrete floors offer a hard-wearing (virtually indestructible) surface and can also help to moderate temperature inside the home. The range and variety of concrete floors available is mind-boggling. You can expose the aggregate, polish, add oxide to colour the concrete or a combination of all of these options. The best designs utilise the thermal mass of concrete to absorb the sun's heat to keep the home warmer in winter. Pair concrete floors with clerestory windows facing the sun to achieve this win-win situation.
Collection
Tiles
For bathrooms, kitchens or anywhere, really, tiles can add a splash of colour, pattern and texture to liven up any space. Get plenty of tile ideas from this collection.
Still not satisfied?
120+ Collections ready to inspire...Devour our Articles...
Craving more advice?
View more Lunchbox Articles...