A HOUSE is a renovation of a wooden house that had become an unauthorised structure due to r repeated extensions and alterations since it was constructed 100 years ago. The processes to bring this house back into compliance with nowadays building regulations and reapplying for planning permission involved 1) removing the unauthorised extensions, 2) constructing a new foundation inside the existing structure for seismic reinforcement, and 3) applying fire-resistant wall cladding. The renovation of A HOUSE can be used as a case study to explore the possibilities for other wooden structure with the similar conditions.

The site is a closed environment with less natural light inside, our design is to propose a new way of living to have more contact to the outside environment by installing skylights and creating a glass façade facing the street. This façade is constructed by the A-frame structure: made of laminated timber to bear temporary load, with blinds creates a sense of layered depth towards the street. On the 2nd floor, retaining the exposed beams, raising the ceiling and installing a skylight, create a rhythmic space that blends the external environment into the interior. This also adds depth to the building’s appearance as a focal point along the street.

Although building from scratch was a common decision, the client wished to opt for renovation out of consideration for the waste generated by demolition and the environment. as rebuilding would have disrupted the family business—one of the few remaining milk delivery services in the area—they chose to renovate whilst installing a large refrigerator. Furthermore, the existing timber frames are reinforced and applied with fire-resistant coating.