By Inbetween Architecture
This was a serious renovation. Presented with a traditional 1970s layout — pokey, dark, poorly arranged spaces — we were tasked with creating a light, bright, functional family home, while also making the most of fabulous views out to the adjacent park. It’s rare to be able to deliver light, open living, intimacy, and a stunning outlook all in one renovation, making this result at Ruffey Lake House all the more satisfying.
For this brief, the existing house was unsuitable to a modern way of life. Rather than demolishing the home — which had some great architectural bones — we essentially removed and rebuilt the entire upper floor, to enable spaces more suited to a modern lifestyle. The ground floor would contain the living spaces — which worked with the existing split-level suspended floor slab to define new kitchen, dining, and living areas — with quieter private spaces, such as the library, music room and TV den, nestled snugly into the sheltered western side.
Photography: Tatjana Plitt
Inbetween Architecture specialises in residential architecture. Our portfolio extends to renovations, extensions, refurbishments and new builds and our hands-on approach involves working closely with clients to develop bespoke designs that satisfy brief and respect budget.
Inspired by Debussy's musings about music being the space between the notes, our approach to architecture is to focus on the experience of the spaces we create, between the walls, floors and ceilings. We strive to design calm and accessible spaces which provide sanctuary from today's busy lifestyles. Our architecture is beautiful to look at but also, and more importantly, it is a joy to inhabit; to live inbetween.