Vader House - Andrew Maynard

Emerging from behind its high boundary wall, the distorted roof form ofVader House interrupts the symmetrical roof line typical of Fitzroy, andbreathes new life into this Victorian Terrace.

The extension is a framed steel skeleton which envelopes the unusuallyhigh masonry boundary wall built prior to height restrictions, reclaiming itinto the interior. The roof then responds to site setbacks which result in adistorted and subverted answer to regulations. This produces high foldedinternal planes, allowing double height ceilings, a mezzanine level and spaciousinterior.

The Eastern and Western facades of the extensions are encased in ashield of louvres. These peel back to reveal a folded internal environmentof soft colours framed by exposed steel beams. Playfully splashes of deepred enliven the interior which is occasionally punctured by windows allowinga cinematic light to dance over the internal workings of the VaderHouse.

The refined material and colorful palette of the extension, wrapped in aheavy roof form distinguishes itself from the dark masonry clad terracefrom which it emerges.

These two opposing forms are united by a transparent glass corridor alongthe Northern boundary wall, framing an outdoor courtyard.

Strategic planning located the courtyard at the heart of the site, allowingboth the terrace and extension to have direct contact with this outsidespace. It creates a central demilitarized zone that allows activities from thesurrounding living spaces to spill into. This courtyard ensures that the entiretyof the site is utilised.

Definition between these internal and external environments is barely distinguishable.Transparent bifold doors allow for constant physical and visualinteraction, between these environs.The extensions is at once inside and out.

The courtyard’s location also provides abundant natural light and ventilationinto both the terrace and extension, importantly decreasing reliance onmechanical heating and cooling systems.

The open and seemingly simple nature of Vader House later reveals itselfto be one of complexity and ambiguity.Many elements of the design prove to serve multiple functions. The boldstair case becomes part of the kitchen joinery, the louvres act as light controlas much as privacy screening, and the boundary external wall doublesas the internal kitchen wall.

The extension is created out of components that appear to have fallen atthe eastern end of the site in a tetris like manner. Unexpectedly a randomtetris piece has lodged itself deep within the walls of the original building.This floating block provides the master bedroom with a en-suite reflectingits downstairs companion, fusing the terrace to the extension and giving aglimpse of what one will experience as they move through the site.

The anatomy of Vader House also extends far below the site. The timberdeck in the courtyard doubles as a retractable deck, when pulled aside revealsa hidden spa, right at the very heart of Vader.Similarly the timber floor boards in the extension form a trapdoor that whenopened exposes a cellar, extending far beneath Vader. When these doorsare opened, they alter the nature of their spaces significantly, providing theextension with a dynamic and chameleon - like interior.

The lack of formal zoning of the extension reflects a desire to make thisspace a versatile, and thus economical solution, where multiple programsare able to symbiotically co-exist. This flexible design, accompanied by itscarefully composed material and colour palette, results in an extension thatwill adapt to function, clients desire and most importantly the demands oftime.