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The Substation
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Built within the perimeter walls of a disused electricity substation in Sydney's Paddington, this house by Emili Fox in association with Sam Crawford, rises above a newly created internal court with a small fishpond.
The ground level is a single living-dining area that runs from the court in front to a cascade of water falling over a tiled wall in a small light well at the rear.
Stairs lead to bedrooms on two levels. Those overlooking the court at the front have windows shielded by stalted wooden screens that provide a warm contrast to the surrounding concrete and whitewashed surfaces.
The project is located on a small site (7.5m x 15.2m) in Paddington.
The original site consisted of disused 1916 electrical substation, built on the remains of an old quarry. The interior had been stripped, revealing a series of elongated trenches, previously housing electrical cables. A creative open-minded client encouraged a collaborative and explorative approach to the project.
The brief included 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and living areas with the flexibility of converting the ground floor area into a multi-purpose gallery space, and first floor bedrooms into offices.
Complex urban design issues and existing site complications, required careful resolution. The substation's front walls were retained and a new 3 storey building inserted behind, providing a barrier to the street, and a private courtyard. Trenches were transformed into a pond and garden outside, and a wine cellar inside, with kitchen, laundry and bathroom concealed within a service wall. Bedrooms, bathrooms and deck are located above, accessed via a timber walkway and stair.
This project was undertaken by Emili Fox in association with Sam Crawford. Project architect Emili Fox.
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