Three Hat Buildings

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DEVELOPING A DIFFICULT SITE

Many inner-city blocks are relatively small, and there are often troublesome easements or historical overlays to contend with. Many architects are able to find their sweet spot in the profession in situations like these when there are significant constraints on available space. Personally, I’ve encountered all of these difficulties, and despite the site's limits, there is almost always a creative solution that can help you achieve the objectives that you've set for yourself.


Open floor plans are a popular staple in Australian homes, especially in small additions. In this video I discuss their general design parameters and while there is a lot to like about this open style of living it's also important to consider some quiet areas. Your special place might be anything from a window seat or reading nook to your own private room. In a small extension to an inner city terrace, we achieved this vertically.

Battams House is a tight inner city lot so we used the height of the rooms to magnify its volume, giving the impression of more space than there is. Clever use of doors and windows then adds to the feeling of space in a room with a void over the dining dramatically connecting the common spaces. If your property is unique, it’s often about using that to your advantage and finding a solution that works for your brief and your property.