Squirrel Apartments by Peg & Ray Architects

ArchiPro Project Summary - Revitalization of a heritage-listed art-deco apartment block with modern enhancements, transforming outdated spaces into contemporary living areas while respecting historical aesthetics and promoting outdoor connectivity.

Title:: Squirrel Apartments
Architect:: Peg & Ray Architects
Category:: Residential/; Renovations and Extensions
Photographers:: Robert Walsh Photography

This art-deco block of 4 apartments is one of a series built at the same time and to the same layout. The front elevation is a heritage listed façade. It was brought up to date with the application of a new colour scheme and landscaping that is sensitive to this history as well as in keeping with the neighbours.

The rear of the property was outdated and underutilized, consisting of a small sunroom, shared laundries and a disused WC. These were removed and rationalized into bedrooms with ensuites and outdoor spaces for each apartment. By increasing the volume of the building, the footprint did not need to be extended outwards. The resulting front and back elevations of the building speak to their respective zeitgeists.

The 1920s in the UK saw a popularization of mock Tudor decoration to building facades. The front elevation shows the close historical ties between the UK and Australia at that time. On the other hand, our contemporary composition at the rear articulates our love of outdoor spaces, considered aspect, and design for thermal comfort.

Project Gallery

Views and Engagement

Professionals used

Peg & Ray ArchitectsArchitects

Peg & Ray Architects

Architects

Chatswood, Willoughby, New South Wales

pegandrayarchitects.com.au

Peg & Ray Architects. At P A R A we strive for an architecture of understated refinement that effortlessly embodies the hard work and thoughtfulness behind each detail. Our ultimate aim is to provide a timeless aesthetic that is at once contemporary and free of stylistic trend. Architecture should create an experience of calmness and delight. We believe that design is a unique synthesis of contingencies. Our architecture aims to capture and express all the layers of context, thought, meaning and action that are present at each site. A successful design is achieved when the best possible solution meets the pragmatic while retaining a sense of the artistic. P A R A is an architectural design practice based in Sydney’s lower north shore. We are a partnership that has gained an extensive range of project experience in the industry, from bespoke housing to multi-million dollar mixed use apartment developments. We are knowledgeable in all aspects of the building design, planning, approval and documentation stages.