Haines Street has evolved with Foomann director Jamie’s growing family while being respectful of its origins. The original home, by Michael Morris Architects in 1970 (who Jamie worked for as a student), was first renovated in 2013; updating the fences, gardens and interior, consolidating rooms to create larger, more functional and lighter spaces. The second renovation added a third level with bedroom, bathroom and rooftop deck, allowing the family of four to stay in the house long term.

Materials become lighter and the design more pared back as the spaces ascend. The new level is intended to be enigmatic. The minimalistic form and detailing conceal the complexity of the stepped addition as well as solar panels, other equipment, and the deck, which provides a private space open to the sky and stars.

This renovation is carbon neutral as assessed by Pangolin Associates. Emissions from embodied energy (materials, products and construction) have been fully offset, and the projected emissions through the use of the home (full life cycle) is forecast to be more than offset by the solar array.

The compact scale of Haines and particularly the new bedroom, bathroom and deck is an asset through attention to proportion and orientation. Light-filled, airy and functional, these spaces feel better to occupy as a result of being designed at a size to suit the purpose.

Animation
Foomannimation by Isobel Knowles

Renovation
Work involved updating the fences, gardens and interior, consolidating rooms to create larger, more functional and lighter spaces. New glazing and insulation improve thermal performance, wood-wool ceiling panels provide acoustic attenuation between levels while steel joinery conceals lighting.

Kitchen + Dining
Originally divided into two rooms; the kitchen and dining area are consolidated into one space, grounded with new bluestone floors and a large custom table by Kyran Starcevich.

The new addition is pulled back from the side of house allowing light to filter through the ceiling into the bathroom below

A window above the stairs frames the rooftop deck and brings light down the stairwell

The main bedroom and bathroom are light and airy, and scaled and designed for their purpose. Drawers double as the bedhead as well as providing separation between the bed and wardrobe

The rooftop deck and outdoor bath are accessed via the bathroom and shower

The rooftop deck is a private space, closed off to the street and open to the sky and stars

The addition is clad in thermally modified timber which will silver over time. The minimalistic form and precise detailing conceal the complexity of the stepped addition as well as solar panels and other equipment