The Naked Architect: Brunswick House, Workshop 1

Are you looking to renovate or build a new home and have considered using an architect but don’t know where to start? The best way to truly appreciate the benefits of engaging an architect is to hear straight from the architects and clients themselves, and in the homes they’ve created together.  The Naked Architect is a workshop series that arms consumers with in-depth knowledge about working with an architect on a residential renovation and/or new build. Winwood Mckenzie Architecture and their client invite you to step inside the doors of their recent project – Brunswick House. Book your spot to hear them ‘bare all’ about beginning the design process and working together. Questions to consider in this workshop:

• What are the qualities of an ideal client?
• How much time does a client put into the project?
• How much contact did you have with each other each week?
• Was there a time when you disagreed? How did you resolve it?
• What is the best way for a client to communicate their needs?
• What questions need to be asked to write a project brief?

Project Overview

Renovation projects provide the opportunity to reimagine a residence so that it represents the lives and values of its owner. It provides an opportunity to create a built manifestation and realisation of a personal way of living.

The new living and study spaces designed for the client are spaces that simultaneously create a cosy refuge and an open outdoor shelter that connects the living spaces to the native garden. The spaces are configured to allow both modes of living, one insular, protected and focused on the fireplace and study; the second open to the fresh air, abundant light and vegetation of the garden. The duality of the space gives the project a complex richness where two seemingly contradictory and incompatible qualities of space are condensed into a single enriching experience.

The design of the extension transforms the language of the existing house into a new language; becoming part of the new house whilst defining its own character. In doing so enhancing the character and experience of both. The scale of the rooms, custom designed ornate plaster ceiling and durable natural materials reinterpret the details and qualities of spaces within the existing house.

Winwood McKenzie Architects — Practice Profile:

We believe in the potential for architecture to create meaningful and delightful spaces that improve lives and the built environment and respect the natural world. Our work within the existing urban fabric and natural landscapes is sensitive; demonstrating our responsibility to the context and environment.

We are interested in the physical presence of a space created through its materiality and quality of light. How it feels, is inhabited, is used and enjoyed. Our approach allows us to work on a broad range of building types. Tectonic expression and performance imbue buildings with meaning. Our projects are finely detailed and carefully resolved. Working closely and collaboratively with builders and suppliers we achieve high quality, durable, sustainable and well-performing buildings within budget and time constraints.

Architecture is designed for people. Each project and client is unique. Our design process reveals the latent potential of existing conditions, brief, and reflects the story of our clients; distilling the desirable characteristics of place to create meaningful and enduring architecture. We work on all stages of project delivery from concept to completion to realise high quality architecture.

Other workshops in Series 3:

About The Naked Architect

The Naked Architect is a workshop series that arms consumers with in-depth knowledge about working with an architect on a residential renovation and/or new build. A series of interactive workshops will provide a behind the scenes look at what it is like to work with an architect. The series is targeted at people who are considering renovating or building a new home and have considered using an architect but don’t know where to start, or are apprehensive about working with an architect due to the common myths around affordability, complexity and ego. The workshops will offer practical guidance, advice and ideas about engaging an architect on a home renovation or new build project.

The Naked Architect is an initiative of Open House Melbourne, with support from the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, and in association with ArchiTeam.

Images: Ben Hosking