Alexandra Buchanan Architecture: Warmington House is the transformation of an existing, characterful cottage on a steeply sloping site in Brisbane’s Inner suburb of Paddington. Seeking to respect the cottage but to elevate it into an executive level family home, we carefully balanced the existing cottage over expansive open plan contemporary living spaces.
The new additions recede from the original cottage, to elevate its traditional character & disguise the vast space created inside. A soaring new void becomes the heart of the house and creates the space that both new & cottage’s floor spaces circulate around. Inside and outside spaces both extend the experience of space on this narrow Paddington block. The double height spaces move between the new and existing architecture creating a textural, material dialogue between the old and new.
The device of the void continues again at the rear defining space within the backyard wrapped with draped plants disguising where the house ends and the landscaping beginnings. Terraced planting wraps the pool, framing views from the interior living spaces. Sunlight through the voids accentuates the textural walls, shadow paly and deep recesses, adding to the play of old and new.
About
Alexandra Buchanan Architecture was founded in Melbourne in 2011 by Architect & Director Alexandra Buchanan.
Our studios create beautiful, liveable architecture, interiors & landscapes that respond to your story based on connection, craftmanship & highly considered spaces to live well.
Our portfolio includes a highly diverse range of typologies from one-off residential dwellings, renovations & additions to heritage buildings, workspace, off-grid eco cabins & multi residential apartment buildings.
The work of the practice has been published and awarded broadly in Australia.
Our manipulation of space, light, form & material, create bespoke environments & evoke unique experiences for exceptional living.
Current projects are underway in urban, coastal & rural sites in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Papua New Guinea & the UK.
