Architectural Project Of The Week: Sliding Doors

Photographer: Murray Fredericks

Architect: CplusC Architectural Workshop

Photographer: Murray Fredericks & Michael Lassman

This  fun, lively addition to an existing Californian bungalow in New South Wales, Australia, was designed to create more functional space for a young family while welcoming in the natural daylight.

CplusC Architectural Workshop was approached by their client to design an addition to their existing house in order accommodate their growing family and changing needs. The rear of the property was well positioned to accommodate new living spaces while providing a more dynamic connection to the back yard for supervision of small children, and for entertaining friends and family.

Photographer: Murray Fredericks

Two oversized Western Red Cedar sliding doors on the rear façade allow maximum flexibility of the new living spaces. The doors can completely close off the living room during winter, while allowing light to filter in, and can also be positioned so that the living room opens unobstructed to the rear yard in warmer conditions. A mix of opaque, clear and frosted glass louvres allow the family to control air, light and privacy.   

Because the clients intend on teaching their kids about food production and gardening, an herb garden covers the wall of the external courtyard and provides a visual link to the kitchen that enriches the experience of food preparation. Glimpses of the herb garden can be seen in the mirrored backsplash in the kitchen.

Photographer: Michael Lassman

The new addition makes use of materials commonly found in local construction such as timber, recycled brick, glass and concrete. The high ceilings are timber lined, to ensure the space feels warm and inviting even in the large rooms. Western Red Cedar was used throughout the project; for the window and door frames, the external timber cladding and internal cladding & ceiling lining. “We used Western Red Cedar because of its sustainability qualities, warm tones, and adaptability for many situations” says the architect, “Its thermal properties make it a great material for all these uses, and as a natural material it ensures the project will age gracefully, never to go out of style.”

Photographer: Murray Fredericks

Grade: A Clear

Size: 127mm x 18mm

Fastening: Stainless steel concealed fixing

Applied Finish: Rustic gold oil