Pine House

Pine House began as an Edwardian home wrapped in a stoic 1990s renovation, and the first question was what to keep, reuse or remove. Demolition was the obvious route, but the existing structure was sound, so Bryant Alsop chose a more sustainable path of retention and reuse. The rear volume was opened up, a low mezzanine removed, and a vaulted ceiling revealed and then celebrated with exposed timber trusses. A double-height window was inserted to draw light deep into the south-facing living areas.

Material choices were guided by honesty and robustness, with a clear brief from the owners that every finish had to stand up to real family life. The existing red brick was embraced and made central to a bold palette, while the Edwardian rooms were lifted with lighter, brighter interiors and a new main bedroom suite. Colour, pattern and texture were used to play against the period detail.

The total footprint grew by only 15 square metres, with structure and materials reused wherever possible in keeping with the sustainable, low-waste approach. The rear garden makes the most of the 673 square metre site, with a pool, spa, basketball ring, woodstore and covered deck. The project completed in 2019 across a single level, with an internal area of 260 square metres.

Architecture by Bryant Alsop (Sarah Bryant, Rob Randell and Tom Minifie). Structural engineering by Structural Edge. Photography by Jack Lovel.