Striking timber extension to architect’s 1898 home

Aptly titled ‘Timberland’ this timber-heavy renovation is the work of sw-architects’ Sally Wilson. Her own home, the project saw her design and build an open plan extension to add to the rear of her original 1898 sandstone cottage in Adelaide.

“The brief was one I’ve seen often – a growing family needing more living space, new wet areas and a connection to the landscape. As the name suggests, the updated home is largely composed of timber elements, with Australian hardwood featuring prominently both indoors and out. The project also needed to accommodate a new practice office for my architectural business and it was equally important for me to be able to have a direct view of my two children, not only inside the extension but also when looking out to the backyard,” says Sally.

Boral Timber Blackbutt features throughout – along the extension’s roofline and as a horizontal ceiling lining connecting seamlessly from the indoors to outside over the deck. “We wanted to use Australian hardwood for its colour and durability. Timber offers a neutral palette that works with other materials, such as the black aluminium, brick and concrete flooring in our new addition. The continual use of natural timber and raw materials complements the warm feeling of the space,” says Sally.

“Internally, Boral V-joint boards in Blackbutt were selected to horizontally line the pitched ceiling and main wall. The feature grade timber highlights the character of the black gum veins and knots to create a sense of uniqueness. Observing the natural variations in the timber is like looking at clouds and makes the space more homely because it’s not perfect. We only have one plasterboard wall in the space. The timber walls are also practical and durable from a family living perspective,” says Sally.

“Timberland has been an evolution of experimentation. A well detailed, hand crafted addition that has enhanced the lives of my family. It relies on the simplicity of an efficient plan and raw materials to create a delightful building that has already become an integral part of the landscape in which it has settled,” says Sally of her home that received two commendations in the 2018 SA Architecture Awards – Residential Architecture (Alterations & Additions) and Residential Architecture (Sustainable Architecture).

Photography: Sam Noonan

For more | The timber cladding trend