Day: May 21, 2020

How do you respond to a renovation brief that requires specific considerations for human and animal liveability? Atlas Architects have achieved it seamlessly and if you ask them, it turns out it’s all about flow.

‘Our vision was to create a home where functionality is a thread woven with comfort, light, history and homely joy,’ explains Director of Atlas Architects, Ton Vu. ‘Spatial and functional requirements for the client’s cat, Dot, related to playing, eating, access and litter were an important part of the design brief.’

Dot required access from the front yard to the back, and between the laundry and living space for days when she is left alone – hence cat doors were inserted discretely throughout corners of the house. The laundry room is dedicated entirely to Dot’s comfort and folly. Custom joinery designed specifically to accommodate her litter tray, food and storage is elevated off the laundry

When designing a garden in a confined space, owner of Garden Life Richard Unsworth says simplicity is key. ‘Don’t over design,’ he says. ‘Keep the variety of finishes to a minimum and make the planting the main attraction.’ 

This philosophy underpins this garden accompanying a late 1800s terrace in Paddington. ‘Paddington terraces are not huge houses, and the clients wanted to be able to use the outdoor space for entertaining and outdoor dining,’ Richard explains. It was his job to update the outdoor space thoughtfully, and create the illusion of more space. 

This project saw nearly all existing elements removed, with fresh timber cladding, render, paintwork, and new herringbone granite tiles replacing terracotta pavers installed 30 years earlier. The addition of contrasting wide boards on the boundary walls complement the house, while providing the feeling of a larger space. ‘The house interior is white, minimal and pared back, so the