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Our vision for Laroona was to create a modest extension with minimal detailing. One that complimented the original heritage listed design, while also capitalising on Tasmania’s unique light. This yielded a new sunroom for the clients to bask in, its interiors lined with Tasmanian Oak for warmth and maximum light without the glare. Taking its cues from the existing pitched roof, our design places skylights and windows throughout to reconnect spaces and let light pour in. Timber framing performs a similar role in two ways: by paying homage to the original back door and window, now a working back entrance to the home, and matching the horizontal lines of the original corbelled brickwork.
Simultaneously, a series of modifications were made to other spaces in the home. The kitchen location was flipped, joining it to the sunroom and dining room. The ground level bathroom, toilet and laundry were opened up and lifted to be more airy and light. And the upper level bathroom was reinstated in place of the existing wardrobe, with new storage added to the perimeter of the master bedroom.
Laroona is now a light-filled, well-connected home – a true blending of the old and the new without sacrificing the best parts of either one.
Biotope Architecture and Interiors, established in 2020, offers a comprehensive range of services including Architecture Design, Interior Design, Sustainable Design, Heritage preservation, and Small Architecture projects. Our team adopts a holistic approach to designing buildings, focusing on context and enhancing the connection to the site through carefully considered spatial composition.
We draw inspiration from both immediate and broader landscapes to create natural environment settings for each project. By incorporating elements like courtyards and skylights, we aim to connect the internal spaces with the external environment and surrounding skyscapes. Utilizing passive solar design principles, we strive to reduce costs and demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration with local craftsmen and builders, we work towards transforming spaces while retaining as much of the original heritage fabric as possible. Our design principles are rooted in creating environmentally sensitive and sustainable buildings that blend harmoniously with their surroundings. For your next project, let Biotope Architecture and Interiors be your anchor in the journey towards a thoughtfully designed and executed architectural masterpiece.
We are based in Tasmanian but also work on projects in Melbourne.
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