A move by the clients, into the township of Bowral, from a home by Bert Read atop Trachyte Mt Bowrell (Mt Gibraltar), was driven by a conscious decision to live closer to the town centre and reduce car use, for a smaller environmental footprint. A turn of the century timber cottage, in a conservation precinct, was chosen and lived in through the seasons; and its challenges were keenly felt. Uncomfortable due to its orientation, with southerly living spaces frigid in winter, and a western facade and extensive black concrete driveway compounding sweltering heat in summer.

Yet the cottage, compact, and unusual in its deep setback amongst growing newer ‘period homes’, had a gentle assured presence to the street. The strategy to reuse the existing where possible, in this case the original core of the cottage, was challenged on site after the discovery of extensive wood borer damage, and foundation problems. An unplanned near rebuild was required.

▼透视图，perspective

The owners are a creative duo – an academic with a passion for Australian literature, and a gardener with expertise in native landscapes and an adept weaver. Thus the brief augmented to include a home for a garden, and a home for stories, interwoven. Blackbutt is structure and finish throughout. Post and beam, arrised to the scale of a passing body. Joinery by a local maker, robust and direct. Recycled hardwood windows, doors and battened brass screens add framed garden views and layers of shade. Filtered light inside.

▼主入口，entrance