Basset & Lobaza Architects Pty Ltd
Architecture in Maribyrnong

We have important experience in residential, commercial and education. Our work is not limited to a particular style. We are accustomed to busy within planning constraints. Our design process is highly consultative. This two deposit house is located in a quiet, leafy inner Melbourne street. The northern walls comprise packed height glazed doors which concertina open, seamlessly connecting indoors and out. Family members are accommodated in autonomous wings however an overall sense of connection and conviviality is achieved. The dichotomy between the controlled, firm street elevation and the more sculpted, open northern aspect balances privacy and seclusion with an inclusive and abundant living environment. Cl added with corrugated metal, the unused edgy form is quite unique to Williams town, however quiet successfully meets the stern requirements of council in relation to streets cape and siting. The windows are double glazed and the water is collected and recycled on site, helping to accomplish a lofty glossy of sustainability. Although the addition is very modern, it tranquil harmonies with the existing heritage building. Furthermore, as we were busy within a stringent budget, we have designed it in such a way that there is potential for future major repairs to the original structure when and if required. It proved to be quite a resist to design a contemporary structure without the need of building dispensation as building on a sloped site everlasting presents a challenge, particularly in regard to overlooking and overshadowing. The form is extremely unused and differentiates from tradition building styles. North light is consecutive throughout the house, with highlights in all living areas and the kitchen. As it is designed as a family home, it was imperative to provide ample living spaces throughout the house. Clever inner hanging areas in the laundry, connected to upstairs via laundry chute, join between levels via a feature begin staircase, all upper bedrooms provided with a view, whilst not overlooking neighbors, upper children's bathroom has a accessible capable shower area to allow for two users. As always, the house is well designed with sustainable principles, including double glazed windows, a tall glossy of northern light, insulation and photo voltaic cells, as healthy as solar collectors for warm water service located on the existing roof. The project involved raising what was retained of the existing house, while keeping the ingenious chimneys in place. A fresh stair void area help to partition and define the clever house from the new addition while allowing light into the middle of the house. Project involved obtaining Planning permission for a new facade, inside fit out liquor license application. Retail project for a transparent fresh modern structure of glass steel to lightly sit between and not compete with the two heritage buildings either side. The existing house had major structural issues extensive termite damage, which is now being rectified as the house undergoes construction. A simple ability ion roof lifts up overhead the new addition to let in north light, while important windows doors allow the fresh addition to engage with the rear garden that was previously ignored.