Residence R&A, Princes Hill

"The site had an unusual geometry which was ideal for establishing a small yet dense and rich private garden around an existing Jacaranda tree," explains Heribert Alucha, director at Open Studio Architecture. The client’s chosen site featured a single-storey Victorian house, which formed the foundation of the project.
To honour the home’s heritage, the architects carefully restored the existing structure, reducing its footprint while retaining its original four-room layout. "With its solid brick walls and punched windows, the existing house is a familiar and reassuring presence, conveying a sense of solidity and shelter," says Alucha. The rooms, now designated as bedrooms and studies, maintain their traditional charm, while one has been transformed into a modern bathroom with an ensuite.

In contrast, the new addition, a glass garden pavilion, embraces openness. Designed as a living, dining, and kitchen area, this modern extension immerses the occupants in their surroundings.

"Sitting under the canopy of the Jacaranda tree, the pavilion opens onto the garden, giving the impression of being immersed in nature, rather than looking at it," Alucha says. The garden itself plays a defining role, shaping outdoor spaces that function like external rooms, enhancing the experience of moving through the house.

A unique design element is the transition between the two structures. "Moving from one part of the house to the other is an unusual experience: a sense of distance, of calm and slowing down," says Alucha. The house avoids a singular focal point, instead embracing an evolving dialogue between its distinct elements.

Selecting Sun Shading

Given the pavilion’s glass facade and its close relationship with the garden, effective sun shading was essential. "The design of the pavilion facade was a delicate balance between transparency and climate control," explains Alucha.

Rather than relying solely on air conditioning, the architects opted for a layered approach to shading, ensuring both comfort and energy efficiency.

"The pavilion facade is not a glass envelope wholly reliant on air-conditioning to function, an approach out of touch with the current environmental crises, but rather a deep façade of different components that work together to achieve the appropriate thermal performance and internal light quality," says Alucha.

Key elements of this approach include internal blinds, insect screens, high-performance glazing systems, and external venetian blinds. "Combining these solutions is the perfect response to Melbourne’s unpredictable climate," Alucha adds. External venetian blinds, in particular, were chosen for their ability to regulate light and heat while maintaining an unobstructed view of the garden.

"A good house adjusts to the environment. And these adjustments can also be a source of pleasure, becoming daily rituals that make one feel more present in, and connected to, the natural world."

Shade Factor played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. "The external blinds bring an intriguing quality, animating and transforming the building throughout the day," says Alucha. 

"The uniformity and repetition of the blades, combined with the manner in which they reflect the context and the light, also give an abstract character to the building envelope that contrasts well with its garden surroundings."

Having worked with Warema shading products for years, Open Studio Architecture trusted their quality and reliability. "The refined design of the Warema E80 range was an obvious choice for this project," Alucha says. 

Engaging Shade Factor from the early design stages ensured a cohesive integration of technical requirements, leading to a smooth construction process and precise installation.

Residence R&A stands as a testament to thoughtful, responsive design—one that respects heritage while embracing contemporary living, and most importantly, fosters an ever-evolving connection with nature.