Revitalising a mid-century Vaucluse gem, blending iconic modernist design with 21st-century functionality

The original house in Vaucluse was designed in the mid 60’s by one of Australia’s leading architects of that time, Russell Jack, founder of the highly regarded firm Allen Jack and Cottier (AJC). The house was a very good example of early modernist, “Sydney School” Australian architecture which was well maintained for its 50 plus years of age. The Hallmarks of Jack’s design were the natural materials, including klinker bricks, infill panel walls, exposed timber ceilings and large areas of glazed elements in Cedar window joinery.

The great challenge in this renovation was to keep true to the architectural pedigree of a 60’s modernist building and yet bring the building it to life fit for the 21st century. This was primarily achieved by opening up the existing ground floor kitchen / living areas to both the east and west garden areas. Being on a relatively small block the clients and architects were after maximum connection between building fabric and external court yard areas.

To that end very large areas of load baring external masonry walls on the ground floor were demolished and custom-made large format steel plate composite beams installed to take up loads from the first floor over. Three large steel beams weighing in excess of 4.4 tones had to be carefully carried through the existing building and set in place at window height level as cranes were not a possibility with the quantum of building fabric remaining.

The Street facade at first floor level was also opened up substantially to allow extra natural light into the building. The design called up for a very large 8.5 m wide by 3m tall sheet metal box window and screen affixed externally to the existing facade. This major new facade element was manufactured largely off site and presented substantial challenges in its weight and consequential lateral rotation of the existing facade and structure.

The aesthetic qualities of the large metal box and screen were of paramount importance and as such all welds were manually ground back, sealed and sheet metal elements re- heated to compensated for any distortion. Custom made metal screens (initially templated in plywood for client approval) together with custom hinges and friction stays all formed part of this bespoke facade element.

At a smaller scale but just as important were all the flush junctions, including wall to ceiling, door jambs and no skirting wall to floor details in keeping with the original modernist aesthetic. Many of the existing face brick walls were kept and as such a seamless integration between new and old was very much a client wish.

We believe this mid-century modern gem has been revitalised whilst maintaining absolute respect for its existing architectural pedigree in both design and particularly in detailing. This was evident in it being nominated for, and winning, a 2019 MBA Excellence in Housing Award. Suffice to say the client’s final comment was; “Thank you for bringing my beautiful old 60’s Porsche back to life!”