We all know the feeling. After a draining day at work, you just need to get home, flop down on the couch and unwind over a big glass of hot chamomile tea (and you thought I was going to say wine). So for Jo, frazzled by her busy work life, her main priority when renovating her home was to create a little piece of zen. That first sip of wine tea...
Guild Architects created a light-filled, low-fuss home for Jo which feels both minimal and warm. Those aren't two words that go together very often, but thanks to the recycled timber floors, timber windows and joinery, the otherwise white, minimalist palette is balanced. Splashes of yellow and gold in the custom-made light box over the kitchen and in the bathroom, enhance this sense of warm minimalism.
Before the renovation the long, narrow home felt dark and cold, lacking views out. Guild have transformed the home by adding an open-plan kitchen/living/dining area to the rear and embracing North light. A sloping ceiling and clerestory windows to the East offer glimpses of the sky and bring in light over a high neighbouring property. The East windows wash the home in soft morning light while Jo has her morning coffee before rushing off to work.
Old and new are separated by a lowered roof, which helped to address heritage issues, but also means a high North-facing clerestory window can bring light into the long hallway and bathroom, two traditionally dark spaces.
The clever custom designed lightbox over the kitchen can be used for warm ambient lighting, task lighting for the island bench and a drinks cabinet/bar. Beautiful, versatile and functional!
"A client like Jo wants to spend her few precious weekends at home enjoying her house (not painting it). This, and a tight budget, largely dictated material choices. Externally unfinished cement sheet and metal cladding provide an almost maintenance free exterior." - Penny Guild
This low-fuss, but highly considered home is the perfect slice of calm for a busy woman. Thanks to its Northern aspect and passive design the home will feel comfortable and light year-round. Everyone needs a sanctuary to come home to, and now Jo has exactly that.