In 2016, Steve and Emily Jones wisely snapped up their forever home at 13 Ashburner Street, nestled in one of Manly’s most tightly held locations, with the Pacific Ocean a brief dalliance to the left, and Sydney Harbour a short waltz to the right. “I like to be able to see the Skiff Club from my front door,” explains Steve. A comforting and inspirational view indeed, morning, noon and night.
Back in 2016, Steve, Emily and their four kids were living in Singapore, the land of high humidity and low tax, their forever Manly home temporarily occupied by transient party animals and shift workers, the Australian dream. “We’re not too sure what the tenants got up to, safe to assume there were perhaps a few too many of them on site at any one time,” laughs Steve. “All good. The plan was always to rebuild when we returned home, and it’s been incredible to see our dream come to fruition over the past two years.”
That dream was to preserve the historic charm of the original cottage at the front of the house, while re-building and expanding the rear to create a more functional space, combining the best of indoor and outdoor living. To do so, they enlisted Adriano Pupilli Architects and Hammond Building.
“Adriano and Tim (Hammond Building Director) have been exceptional,” says Steve. “The care and attention to detail, and innovative thinking to meet the challenge of renovating on such a narrow block has been outstanding.”
The result? A stunning two-storey rear extension which emerges seamlessly from the original heritage house at the front, articulated by a central court and lightwell where old meets new. “The central courtyard provides a pause in the linear flow of the site,” explains Adriano. “It also serves as an entry point when returning from the beach, to wash off and enter the home, preserving the calm of the original front bedrooms.”
The second storey form gradually rises up towards the north. “This shields the occupants from the gaze of neighbours to the east and west,” says Adriano. “A double-height curtain glass wall and stair draws light deep into the floor plate.” A laundry and mudroom are tucked beneath with a home-office and ensuite above enjoying a private leafy outlook into the court.
“A protective roof drapes over an upper-level master bedroom creating a cathedral-like volume and two storey void,” continues Adriano. “The light filled living space below creates a place for a family of six to come together, with generous sliding doors allowing everyday life to spill out into the garden, the deck bookended by a BBQ, shed and a Ghost Gum.”
Within the original roof form, an attic functions as a kids’ hangout. Externally the tapered forms and grey timber cladding are recessive and preserve the heritage charm while creating a vibrant home for an active young family to thrive.
“Adriano and Tim have created a beautiful home for our family of six,” beams Steve. “The design gives us a beautiful connection between the old and new parts of the house, perfect for our family’s lifestyle. We are delighted.”
Learn more about Adriano Pupilli Architects at adrianopupilli.com.au and Hammond Building at hammondbuilding.com.au