Tower House is a renovation and extension to a weatherboard home in Alphington, Victoria, Australia. Andrew Maynard Architects restored the original house, where there are two kids’ rooms, a bathroom and living spaces. A studio, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and dining occupy the new part of the house. Tower House is the result of endless conversations with a trusting, enthusiastic, patient and encouraging client.
Like all of our buildings, sustainability is at the core of Tower House. Rather than simply extruding the existing structure we have run the new form along the southern boundary so that it is soaked with sunlight. The openings and windows have been designed to optimize passive solar gain, thereby drastically reducing demands on mechanical heating and cooling. All windows are double glazed. White roofs drastically reduce urban heat sink and heat transfer internally. Need for air-conditioning is eliminated through active management of shade, and flow through ventilation. Water tanks have their place as they do on all of our projects. High performance insulation is everywhere, even in the walls of the original house.
The interiors are modern with mid-century modern touches, I totally love the extensive use of warm-colored woods. Light-colored wood panels cover may walls and other surfaces, which is an eco-friendly and timeless choice – such surfaces will always be in style. Most of spaces are adapted to kids’ needs and wishes, so they have some specific features in design.