Have I mentioned that I’m crazy for Australian architecture? Apologies for the exuberant enthusiasm for our antipodean friends but Cosgriff House by Australian architect Christopher Polly is a worthy contender for ‘extension of the year’ if indeed there is such an award. If there isn’t, there should be one!

His asymmetrically designed extension of a small Sydney bungalow more than doubles the existing floor area of the family residence and creates a two storey house by making use of the sloping terrain.

The extended ground floor level now accommodates a bathroom, bedroom and study with the newly created basement housing a large open-plan living and dining room with direct access to the garden. Here integrated louvred shutters can be used to create more privacy, eg during night time.

Cosgriff House is wonderfully light which has been successfully achieved through an eccentric roof structure that folds upwards for access to northern light and sky through a sole fire-rated window along the boundary.

My favourite feature of the house has to be the stair hall with its’ cantilevered balcony and generous void that directs the view upwards to a skylight with views of the environment outside. A clever venting system that exhausts trapped air out of the original roof space has been implemented therefore giving the project top green credentials.

A hugely successful transformation which will be envied by the entire neighbourhood I suspect. Though Australians are naturally so laid back that they might just invite them all for a big barbie of chops, snags and prawns washed down with a nice cold stubby of beer. Good Onya!

To see more Australian architecture check out Clare Cousins Brick House on Stylejuicer.

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

More information | Christopher Polly Architects
Photography | Brett Boardman