|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Workshop conversion |
| You'd never guess what lies behind the walls of this former motor body factory! |
|
|
|
|
A warehouse conversion with a difference, still maintaining the industrial charm of the area and former motor body factory on the exterior but an attractive two bedroom multi-storied home inside.
The outside of the warehouse was virtually untouched during the renovation to comply with council regulations and also to create something interesting and different to disguise the real function of the building. The brick façade has patchy mortar, the front door isn't painted and there is a large gateway with folding flaps to admit light as well as security grill for the porch. In addition to these simple features, there is a huge industrial sign reading 'Hertz' on the rear of the building.
In order to preserve the exterior, architect Anthony Styant-Browne lifted the roof and "dropped in" four walls. This virtually creates a free standing home within a brick shell. The warehouse is entered through a covered vestibule off the street. This leads into an entrance court, in effect creating an "outdoor" area "inside". It is inside the brick "shell" of the warehouse that the home is built. This is a corrugated tin shed that stands inside the boundary walls and is surrounded by a herb garden and the courtyard.
When you open the front door, you are greeted by an orange staircase and corridor. These run alongside the living and dining area, which takes up most of the lower floor. This level also houses the kitchen, laundry, toilet and storeroom (formally a photography darkroom), which are all located left of the corridor. The living and dining area is very impressive, with the main feature being ten metre high ceilings. Looking up, the remainder of the warehouse is a series of levels, platforms and galleries.
The living and dining area incorporates gangways, stairs, decks and an original 19th Century gantry crane. This is suspended high above the floor and includes a walkway that leads to a roof top observatory with spectacular city views. Also high above the courtyard is a study that is accessed by stairs and bridges.
The materials used are simple. Sandra and Paul (the owners) wanted to maximise space on a budget, so corrugated iron, residential grade aluminium and concrete were used for construction. These also blend in with the industrial look of the warehouse.
|
More Info
Anthony Styant-Browne Architect Pty Ltd
6A Montrose Street
Hawthorn East Vic 3123
Ph: 03 9882 4611
Fax: 03 9882 4511
E-mail: anthony.styant-browne@styarc.com
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
