2020 National Architecture Awards: National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Jury citation

Glebe House is simply a delight. Sandwiched between a large dwelling to the south and tall planting to the north that screens the public housing beyond, the linear site runs east–west, limiting access to light. A series of grand, upturned-arch windows innovatively solves this challenge by drawing light into the spaces where it is most needed. The judicious placement of voids, along with opaque glazing in places, affords the light a quality both restive and ethereal.

This new take on the timber-lined bungalow is enhanced by sculptural white interior spaces. A sinuous spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, which incorporates four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The ground floor orientates joinery to the northern perimeter, with an oak-clad carved joinery element concealing the kitchen. The front room is configured as a second living room yet has been organized so that, should a lockable garage be required, this space can be repurposed to meet the need.

The play of volume, light and view lines transitions seamlessly to a covered terrace and rear courtyard, with a broad archway framing the city view. This home is an accomplished and contemporary exemplar in residential architecture.

For more coverage, read the project review from Houses 130.

Project credits

Architect Chenchow Little; Project team Tony Chenchow, Stephanie Little, Mark Hill, Joshua Mulford; Builder Lochbuild; Structural engineer Ruggero Benvenuti; Hydraulic consultant Taylor Consulting; Landscape consultant Spirit Level.

Glebe House is located in Glebe, New South Wales, on the land of the Gadigal and Darug peoples of the Eora nation.