WILLIAMSTOWN, VICTORIA

HMAS L02 takes its name and built from influences from the Williamstown shipyards and the construction of HMAS Canberra which was being built at the time of this project. The legacy and history of boat building locally and this aircraft carrier were huge influences when approaching this design challenge. The striking bow of HMAS Canberra was referenced when designing the form of the building. The skewed and slanted built form provided the perfect solution to tapering side setbacks and a north facing eave overhang / sunshade.

Our design solution involved clearly articulating the old form the new further emphasizing the heritage cottage and bringing in a new entry down the side of the house to an open central courtyard, this essentially become the new private front garden and front door. This then freed up the cottage to become a master bedroom suite allowing the new build and primary living spaces to have the benefit of a North and South facing private open space, light source and cross ventilation. This solution takes advantage of such a long site and creates unique indoor / outdoor spaces that work with but challenge the typical Victorian cottage typology.