Hopetoun Avenue Residence is a period home renovated and expanded by B.E Architecture in 2014. Located in Vaucluse, New South Wales, Australia, the project measures 650m² (6,997ft²).
An intentional point of difference to the solidity of the existing sandstone house, the new addition is a gentle intervention that emerges quietly from the canopy of a beautiful, mature lemon-scented gum tree. With sensitivity to the site’s inherent strengths, the design embraces the preservation and integration of the established tree allowing it to remain the dominant feature on the property.
The covered outdoor spaces are built around the tree, encapsulating and framing the trunk. The timber-clad columns recede into the background, and a line of glazing opens to the densely planted side yard for continuous access to the natural environment from within the interior spaces.
The upper level sits in the branches of the tree floating above the bottom structure to provide a unique treetop setting overlooking views to the Sydney Harbour. The roof is treated in a considered stone so that it is more like landscaping adorned with the scattering of fallen leaves.
— B.E Architecture
Drawings:
Photographs by Peter Clarke
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