Australian practice Grotto Studio has added a charred-timber extension named Shadow House to a bright cottage in Perth.
Informed by shadows, the extension was designed to contrast the existing cottage, which was built in the early 1900s and featured original elements that the studio aimed to preserve.
“It was crucial to preserve the cottage’s charm and character while updating it to cater to contemporary living needs,” studio founder Craig Nener told Dezeen.
“The cottage was tastefully refurbished and integrated with new additions, making it a key feature of the design rather than being overshadowed by the new elements.”
The studio adapted the interior layout of the existing building, retaining its original character while balancing it with the addition of a contemporary extension behind the home.
“The idea behind the design of the Shadow House is harmonious fusion – a blend of old and new, light and dark, traditional and modern,” Nener said.
“We aimed to craft a space that not only caters to practical living needs but also offers an immersive, sensory experience to its inhabitants.”
A series of bedrooms, bathrooms, and lounge areas feature throughout the existing portion of the house, while an open living space and guest suite were added as part of the extension.
The new block is clad in jarrah timber, which was inspired by shadows and has been charred and weatherproofed using the traditional Japanese method of Shou Sugi Ban.
“A key aspect of the design was to enhance the interplay of natural light, shadows, and materials,” said Nener. “The blackened texture offers a distinctive aesthetic appeal that enhances this interplay and helps the new addition recede visually, allowing the original cottage to maintain its prominence.”
The new building, which has a long, rectangular form, is topped with a mono-pitched roof and opens onto dark timber decking sheltered by an overhang. Several outdoor spaces are arranged around the outside of the extension, including smaller gardens enclosed by black brick walls and wooden planters.
Accessed by a set of steps, the front deck spans a portion of the new volume and offers access to the home’s entrances, including a charred-timber door that leads to a courtyard.
To the left of the front deck, another door leads directly to a dark timber-lined ensuite guest accommodation unit which opens onto a private garden and is separated from the rest of the house by the courtyard.
Around the courtyard, red-toned exterior walls made from unfinished jarrah wood evoke a sense of warmth. A set of double glass doors leads into the main portion of the extension, which houses an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room.
Here, the studio used light wooden panels to cover the walls and the angular ceiling, as well as a wall of cupboards that spans the length of the room. Light wooden furnishings reflect the tones of the larger surfaces, while polished concrete features on the floor and kitchen island.
Other walls and surfaces in the extension are lined with dark timber, including the walls of the guest bedroom and the floor of the guest suite, which is made from jarrah timber sourced from the demolition of the back of the existing cottage.
“The choice of dark timber for the interior was motivated by a desire to create a rich, intimate, and immersive atmosphere,” said Nener. “The dark tones add depth and character to the spaces, creating a warm and inviting ambience.”
“It also offers a subtle connection to the charred exterior, resulting in a harmonious and cohesive design language throughout the house,” he continued.
Other Australian homes recently featured on Dezeen include an accessible home in New South Wales influenced by Japanese design and a holiday home refreshed with a maximalist interior that draws upon beach clubs.
The photography is by Jack Lovel.
Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.
Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.
News about our Dezeen Awards China programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected].
For more details, please see our privacy notice.
You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.
Design Theory updates mid-century coastal home in Perth
Wabi-sabi philosophy guides design of accessible coastal …
YSG draws on beach clubs of Ibiza and Cancun for redesign of …
Gridded facade of Melbourne apartment block “presents a …
Matt Gibson adds sculptural extension to Victorian Melbourne …
Emily Sandstrom builds Sydney home extension from recycled …
Studio Prineas adds concrete tower to fisherman’s cottage in …
FGR Architects hides Melbourne house behind high concrete walls
Visit our comments page | Read our comments policy
Subscribe to
our newsletters
Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.
Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.
News about our Dezeen Awards China programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected].
For more details, please see our privacy notice.
You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.