Borrowdale Brooke

In Borrowdale Brooke, a home is reborn, honouring its heritage yet embracing its modern future. Concrete and steel form the canvas of transformation. The additions, alterations and renovations of the Brooke Residence required the architects to create a single storey home with an urban feel to substitute the 90’s feel of the original design, converting it into a timeless modern house, with a layout suited to a contemporary lifestyle. The renovation was done with a strategic approach to maximise the building and its potential while being conservative with the costs.

The client’s brief called for a family orientated home that makes provision for entertainment and views to the outdoors. The new design by Livan Design Innovation is attached to the older one by means of decorative steel forms that wrap and frame, making this design a clear example of parasitic architecture. This resulted in a 1500m² sculptural piece of architecture that is an extreme transformation from the previously modest structure.

With every room in the house opening outdoors, linking the home with its landscape, the principle of indoor/outdoor living is effectively executed. The living room, dining room, kitchen and the bar are distinctively situated in an open plan layout and coherently merge into one another.

Distinguishing the home from its predecessor are the clerestory windows and high ceilings, courtesy of the gable roof. These flood the home with more natural light and improved ventilation, making the rooms more spacious and aesthetically appealing.

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