The Naked Architect: Rhythm House, Workshop 4

Are you looking to renovate or build a new home and have considered using an architect but don’t know where to start? The best way to truly appreciate the benefits of engaging an architect is to hear straight from the architects and clients themselves, and in the homes they’ve created together.  The Naked Architect is a workshop series that arms consumers with in-depth knowledge about working with an architect on a residential renovation and/or new build. Delia Teschendorff Architecture and their client invite you to step inside the doors of their recent project – Rhythm House. Book your spot to hear them ‘bare all’ about the design process and working together.

Questions to consider:

• Which consultants did you use? What other consultants are there?
• How do you decide which consultants to use?
• How do you decide whether to do it yourself or go to a specialist?
• How do you need the client to communicate their needs?
• What is the impact of making big changes at each stage of the project?

Project Overview

Rhythm House is an extension to a Heritage 1920’s bungalow in West Brunswick. The project came with a unique brief: the family of five accomplished musicians needed a family home that also had the capacity to be a performance space and recording studio.

The design strategy was to create two distinct zones within the home – quiet and loud, old and new. An innovative timber portal structural system was used as the framework for the rear extension. Designed and built in close consultation with both the structural engineer and an acoustic engineer, this portal system provided both cost and construction efficiency.

In addition, the expressed undulating internal portals provide a faceted surface, ensuring that the space performs well acoustically. The portal frames read externally as a rhythmic series of columns. The sculptural curving forms and choice of materials make playful reference to the instruments played by family members while the use of black and white is a nod to the local Brunswick Cricket Club colours. Rhythm House engages with the public domain both by activating the corner site and respecting the Heritage Precinct.

Delia Teschendorff Architecture — Practice Profile:

Delia Teschendorff Architecture has a rigorous design focus. The approach to each individual project is unique, as each brief, site and client demands a different approach and presents a different problem to solve. Research is an important component of the design process at DTA. A projects inspiration may be drawn from history, an investigation of site or broader influences including music and literature. Each project presents the opportunity to research materials and new construction methods, exploring the most cost effective and sustainable solutions. This approach ensures a unique experience of place for the user and the buildings position in the greater urban fabric.

Other workshops in Series 3:

About The Naked Architect

The Naked Architect is a workshop series that arms consumers with in-depth knowledge about working with an architect on a residential renovation and/or new build. A series of interactive workshops will provide a behind the scenes look at what it is like to work with an architect. The series is targeted at people who are considering renovating or building a new home and have considered using an architect but don’t know where to start, or are apprehensive about working with an architect due to the common myths around affordability, complexity and ego. The workshops will offer practical guidance, advice and ideas about engaging an architect on a home renovation or new build project.

The Naked Architect is an initiative of Open House Melbourne, with support from the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, and in association with ArchiTeam.

Images: Dianna Snape