Woonona, 2012 | Dharawal Country
This project dubbed 'The Pod' by its owners, is a modern interpretation of the traditional timber framed fibro granny flat. It helps a family of four plus grandparents from overseas, who come to stay with the family over summer, meet their unique needs with a minimum of new building work.
It is separate from, yet part of the house. It is a garden pavilion, linked by a covered deck. The creation of a glazed sun trap transforms the living experience in the whole house. It's openings connect to the greater landscape and frame a beautiful view of the escarpment, allowing an experience of the ever changing mood of weather against the mountain. Together with the existing verandah the pod provides a range of living spaces for different seasons and different activities.
The main design element is a series of charred hardwood portal frames. Those are used to give rhythm to ones movement along the space; closer together near the more private functions, further apart in the more social space, eroded at the connection with its garden surrounds.
Project team
Katharina Hendel, Brent Dunn
Owner Builder _ with Mark Loader
Engineer _ Partridge Partners
Photography _ Shantanu Starick