9
How to make something new, how to respect the
original, how to maintain the original’s tour de force?
Franco Fiorentini of F2 Architecture and his clients
looked, listened and clearly interpreted possibilities.
Their response pays off spectacularly. Its previously
cramped interior and a layout focused around a
quaint cruciform core instead of the views, were out
of step with contemporary needs. What’s more, his
clients decided to include a two-storey counterpoint
residence that sits unobtrusively at the rear of the
site amongst the vegetation, yet rises to the occasion
in subtle ways. Charcoal steel cladding and Viridian
glazing package both client residence and the
extroverted satellite rental property pole-house.
Using the skeleton of the original, Fiorentini
worked like sculptor and surgeon to re-focus the
project. The result finally fulfills the promise of the
original gesture. The result, save new solid walls upon
approach from the footbridge, offers a cinematic take
on the coast, ocean and sky.
Fiorentini discusses the re-birth of a landmark and
how materials were the key to full environmental
connection.
What was your immediate site visit response when
the idea was mooted six years ago?
Above
Living area now exploits full site
potential with sliding glass doors
and minimal balustrade of glass.
I remember the experience from the balcony of the
original house was sensational, overwhelming, yet
from within, the experience was underwhelming.
I wondered how it could be so good on the deck,
yet so disappointing inside. It was a very suburban
response with a spectacular idea about freedom. I
remember the original balustrade had textured glass
so that when seated, most of the view was lost.
How did that initial experience influence your
thinking?
The house just shouted potential. It felt constrained
and unfulfilled. The original house was evenly
fenestrated on all four sides with limited views
towards the sea and land. We decided to make the
north facing, land-side reasonably solid to maintain
privacy from the footbridge approach. I could
definitely see this brilliant opportunity to enhance
what already existed.