The challenge – designing a modern residence adjacent and linked to a historic cottage without overpowering it. The result – a low profile, charred timber and glass façade creation, which provides a reflective contrast to the older white weatherboard cottage.

With the derelict cottage now bought up to date, the new building complete, and a new timber walkway and native planting connecting the two, both residences feel settled in the landscape, enjoying the pastoral and water views from this southwest WA location.

Two standout features of the new residence – the entranceway and the cantilevered living area – were made possible by a structural system of posts and beams requiring fewer vertical supports, and products from Alspec’s Hastings Front Glazed framing system. Front glazed systems are designed to enable glazing adaptors and covers to be easily fitted to other structures such as aluminium, steel or timber and are ideal for upmarket residential project applications where the appearance of a sheer wall of glass is desired.

On entering the home, attention is drawn to the dappled effect created by perforated screens which have been combined with an expansive skylight above the entranceway. Constructed using Hastings 550 Plant On Front Glazed framing, the skylight and screen combination creates visual interest while effectively drawing in natural light to the centre of the home.

Meanwhile the cantilevered living area, enclosed on three sides with sheer walls of Hastings Front Glazed Framing, floats above the ground to further give an appreciation of the natural surrounds. The large floor to ceiling panels of glazing amplify the outdoor aspect and minimise interruptions to the rural views.

To take advantage of natural cooling and ventilation, Breezway Louvre Windows feature in all rooms of the home, adjacent to the larger windows. Louvre systems provide a practical ventilation alternative as they maximise air flow while maintaining light and views. Modern louvres provide dependable protection from the elements thanks to specially designed seals, as well as being easy to operate and clean from inside the building.

Project Name: Little River, Denmark WA
Architect: PTX Architects
Builder: Owner Builder
Fabricator: Great Southern Windows and Glass
Photographer: Bo Wong
Finish: Dulux Duratec Zeus Black Matt - 90088702

Alspec Products Used:
Awning and Casement Window
Hastings 550 Front Glazed Plant On Sections