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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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From auto-garage, to factory, to family home
HomesAndrew McDonald

From auto-garage, to factory, to family home

Australia

A Sydney inner city warehouse has had many lives over the years, serving as an auto-garage, then a factory for a glass decorator, before living a bachelor pad, and finally a family home.


The residential spaces of the warehouse have been stacking vertically, in a unique design flourish by MCK, serving as an alternate typology for the 21st century family home. Compared to the traditional horizontal standard seen in suburban development, the so-called W House delights in the site opportunities offered, with double height ceilings complementing the external courtyard of similar dimensions. This provides extended views to the city yet offers secure containment and a private space.

The front façade leans back from the street, receding backwards to allow a sense of prominence for the heritage status façade. There is a journey from street to roof terrace, which is reinforced by the staircase focal point inside the space.

A conversation with the surrounding environment is created with peeled back layers of factory and warehouse heritage, juxtaposed with white, floating and mirrored abstract design flourishes. This monochromatic approach continues MCK’s design philosophy that architecture should be about form and space, serving as a backdrop for the colour of the inhabitants and their family life.

The W House received a commendation at the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects NSW annual Awards.

MCK
mckarchitects.com

Words by Andrew McDonald

Photography by Richard Glover

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About the Author

Andrew McDonald

Tags

Home ArchitectureHouse ArchitectureResidential Architecture


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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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