A Third Alternative

A dusky bathroom with differentsized alcoves and skylights are part of panovscott Architect’s addition to a federation-style cottage in Sydney.

The impact that time has on buildings has been an ongoing interest of architects Anita Panov and Andrew Scott, founders of panovscott Architects. Although this particular house was lacking natural light and a layout to fit the clients’ lifestyles, the original four-room cottage was still intact. Wanting to evolve rather than transform the existing architecture, panovscott Architects focused their attention on inserting a new build with precision – one that respects the existing cottage and celebrates a mature Jacaranda tree planted in 1901.

By placing a new addition between the existing edifices, Anita and Andrew enrich the heritage essence of the site, and encourage the owners to interpret the space as they see fit.

One bathroom, shared between the owners and their guests, is tucked behind a wall and awash with natural light. The space evokes a kind of sensory dignity often found in Japanese bathhouses. Inside, the concrete bathtub was cast and scoops down with minimal tones and clean lines.

There is a strong association to the outside landscape with a floor-to-ceiling window and skylights that soften the palette, allowing users to admire the vistas, giving the bathroom the quality of a subterranean space. The wall also pulls back with timber sliding screens to reveal a lush garden. “We like to think that this has enabled a richness in the experience of a dwelling,” Anita explains.