Cut and Morph House by Ahron Best Architects: A Fusion of Historical Charm and Modern Elegance

The "Cut and Morph House" designed by Ahron Best Architects in Croydon, Australia, is an exemplary project that showcases the harmonious blend of historical restoration and contemporary design. This article delves into the architectural strategies employed to transform a dilapidated brick workers' cottage into a modern sanctuary for a young couple, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.

Project Overview

Architects: Ahron Best Architects

Location: Croydon, Australia

Area: 190 m²

Year: 2021

Design Concept

The primary objective was to restore the original brick building to its former glory while creating a new addition that seamlessly integrates with the old structure. The design brief included reconfiguring the existing layout to suit a modern family and adding a rear extension to house a spacious living, dining, and kitchen area suitable for entertaining.

Restoring Historical Proportions

The original brick cottage had undergone several unattractive modifications, including an unbalanced side addition that disrupted the street-facing elevation's proportional integrity. Ahron Best Architects aimed to strip back these unsightly alterations, restoring the building's original silhouette as viewed from the street.

Innovative Use of Space

One of the standout features of the Cut and Morph House is its innovative spatial configuration. The architects utilized negative and positive space to create a series of courtyards and usable areas around the perimeter of the living addition. This design approach not only maximizes the use of the site but also enhances the indoor-outdoor connection.

Defining Spaces within an Open Plan

While the living, kitchen, and dining areas are designed to be open plan, subtle distinctions between each space are maintained. This is achieved through the strategic placement of furniture, materials, and slight shifts in spatial orientation. For instance, the living/lounge area is slightly rotated away from the other spaces, creating a more intimate setting for relaxation and providing a discrete entry into the yard.

Materiality and Window Placement

Material treatment and window placement play crucial roles in defining the relationship between the old and new parts of the house. The existing building was physically cut at a strategic point and reconstructed using recycled bricks from the site, forming a large sculptural wall that bridges the historical and contemporary elements. This wall is not only a visual anchor but also a functional one, housing a large skylight that introduces natural light into the space.

Celestial Windows and Skylights

The integration of celestial windows and skylights is a key feature of the design. These elements create large voids over the hallway and bathroom, flooding the interior with natural light and enhancing the sense of space. The carefully detailed skylight at the junction of the old and new structures creates an impression of glass floating into the brick wall, blurring the boundary between inside and outside.

Environmental and Contextual Sensitivity

Ahron Best Architects paid careful attention to the environmental and contextual aspects of the site. The new living spaces are oriented to take advantage of the north-facing boundary, ensuring ample natural light and creating opportunities for energy-efficient living.

Natural Ventilation

The design incorporates natural ventilation strategies, with windows positioned to facilitate airflow through the hallway void. This not only enhances indoor air quality but also contributes to the overall comfort of the living spaces.

The Cut and Morph House by Ahron Best Architects is a masterful example of how historical restoration and modern design can coexist harmoniously. By respecting the original structure and thoughtfully integrating new elements, the architects have created a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. This project underscores the potential of architecture to transform spaces while honoring their historical context.