St. Peter's Renovation
A contempory double story
extension clad in zinc boldly
pushes the boundaries of
this family home in the
conservative Adelaide suburb
of St Peter’s. Whilst the 5m
hipped roof ensures reference
to the front of the home, the
extension proudly asserts
itself over the sloping block,
seamlessly connecting to an
outdoor timber framed deck,
pitched high over an infinity
above ground pool. The
overall result is a confident
statement about modern
architecture’s place in such
a historic context- it can
create a wonderful contrast,
redefining our appreciation of
‘elegance’ itself.
Adelaide’s leafy suburb of St
Peter’s features avenue after
avenue of grand old homes,
a homogenous convention of
villas and cottages, which are
perfectly complemented by
rows of gigantic plane trees.
The original dwelling was
classified as a ‘contributory
item’ in a historic
conservation zone, and as
such the facade needed to
remain. ‘I recall seeing the
block for the first time and
thinking, these challenges,
the irregularity of the block,
the marked slope, the context,
we need to turn these into
assets, we can’t let them
limit us, recalls Architect, Don
Iannicelli.
And on first glance, the
dwelling is so at home in the
area, it is easily overlooked.
The extension however, just
visible from the street, causes
little offence, but captures
the wondering eye, begging
to be explored. Wanting to
reference the original home
and its classical context,
Images:- www.aaroncitti.com
Glasshouse designed a hipped roof vernacular form, sympathetic and unimposing to the
streetscape. Utilizing the land’s fall by building underground, assisted in minimising its visual
impact, but also created much needed internal space. This ground floor, takes advantage of the
site’s thermal mass and houses a retreat, kitchenette, study, guest bedroom and bathroom. This
zone is a welcome retreat for the interstate visitor, for violin practice, for playing video games
at ungodly volumes. The large storage room services this active family, hiding away all sorts
of utilitarian possessions with wheels. Using bluestone masonry as nod to the surrounding
villas and cottages, the extension appears heavily anchored. By contrast, the top floor is where
the extension comes into its own, exploiting modern materials such as lightweight standing
seam zinc cladding, black
aluminium framing and
oversize glazing
‘The solid base gave the
extension its structural
integrity, but importantly,
opened up a myriad of
design possibilities for the
top floor, allowing us to
use lightweight zinc which
supported those 5m cathedral
ceilings and those large
panes of glass’, mentions
Don. The connection between
the old part of the home
and the new addition is
quasi celestial, thanks to
the brilliant light flooding
through the glass roof,
welcoming the inhabitant
out of the dark hallway. The
corridor continues but is now
contrasted in a veneered oak,
the panels of which conceal
the master ensuite, a powder
room, the children’s bathroom
and a laundry.
Opening out into the
vernacular structure which
accommodates the living
www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 17