Situated in the Sydney harbour-side suburb of Castlecrag, Frankenprey House designed by CplusC Architectural Workshop is a mid-20th century brick bungalow that has undergone a complete transformation to a relaxing and light filled home for a young family. It embraces the ideals of Walter Burley Griffin’s design legacy for Castlecrag “Building for Nature”. Shall we take a closer look?
“The spatial planning of the home locates the private bedroom spaces on the first floor and social living and social spaces on the ground floor. The select grade Spotted Gum flooring develops continuity between these zones through a palette of warm honey tones. The bold Spotted Gum stair anchors these spaces and brings the natural warmth of the timber into the heart of the home.” – CplusC Architectural Workshop
Timber has been greatly utilised in this project from structure, cladding, the internal finishes and external amenities. The architect has drawn upon the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the material to enhance the experience of the house from all spaces and angles.
Screening the neighbours and allowing focus towards the garden, the rough sawn plywood to the north is stained black and acts as a shroud for the first floor. It provides a neutral setting to allow the cedar cladding, doors and windows to be the focus of the home. The materiality of the canopy is mirrored in the garden pavilion providing a visual balance.
“The kitchen is the pivotal room in the home, with Western Red Cedar doors disappearing seamlessly behind recycled brickwork allowing the internal living space to extend to a double-volume outdoor living space where spotted gum decking leads to the garden and swimming pool. The external use of timber for seating, decking, fencing and screening terminates in a garden pavilion and transforms the yard into an intimate, peaceful oasis within a dense suburban context for the enjoyment of the client and their young family.”
A combination of functionality, aesthetics, and the overall character of this home granted the young family to celebrate the character and charm of a fully transformed home with a whole new finesse.
Project: Frankenprey House
Architect: CplusC Architectural Workshop
Location: Castlecrag, Australia
Type: Renovation
Photography: Simon Whitbread & Murray Fredericks
