Originally the home of Scottish musician and Angus McLeod, Fusilier Cottage is located at historic Battery Point in Hobart. Built in the 1840s, this stone Georgian Cottage represents the architectural character of the time and region. In stark contrast to the existing stone building and small openings, the addition is welcomed as a 'balancer'. Combined with a spacious landscaped area on one side of the house, the new building brings warmth through its wrapped wood as it is connected to the natural environment, almost like a pavilion. Bence Mulcahy extracted a complementary structure from the original tone to balance the original tone.

Architecture firm Thylacine Constructions have designed Fusilier Cottage and Fairy Wren Gardens & Design to respond to the natural and built environment. When it crosses those two, there is a sense of transition that allows new things to adapt and respond. From the point of view of the street's ability to open up and close, it can expand and open up the sense of contemporary, while also controlling the level of privacy and closure. The original owners used the cottage as a place of residence and recreation, and similar principles were introduced into the new building; Today's owners want to combine their own work with the abilities of family and friends.

As an extension of the house's available living space, the Marily appears in flat and linear form on one side of the original farmhouse, occupying space within the garden. The garden opens up to the street, becoming an ideal space that remains open and connected. In contrast to the heavy masonry of the original building, the new building uses local wood to wrap the exterior, making it light. Inside, a similar warmth is felt through the use of plenty of wood and dark elements, while the glass provides a temporary sense of connection to the outside. The glass also makes the landscape feel like part of the space, continuing its connection with nature.

Architect:BenceMulcahy

Interiors:BenceMulcahy

Photos:AdamGibson