Ziwa House Exemplifies The Potential of an Enduring Canberra Building Vernacular

Ziwa House exemplifies the potential of an enduring Canberra building vernacular to meet changing living arrangements. 

A clever attachment to a two-storey duplex in Lyneham is skilfully choreographed to accommodate a series of ancillary uses that serve the clients’ desire for active connection and outlook to natural wetlands at the rear of the site, while retaining the efficiency of the existing dwelling.

At the street frontage, the new form is respectfully sited as a detached mass object from the existing duplex and is scaled in proportion to the characteristic duplex entry awning. A high level of detail resolution especially at roof datum has been achieved, ensuring a clarity of form is expressed as intended. A recessed glazed link elegantly provides connection between old and new, while formalising a linkage through to the rear landscape as well as servicing a new program and storage.

The rear form of the addition extrudes these established alignments and details, extending towards the wetlands beyond, framing the rear garden space as hearth all without obstructing internal view aspects.

Primary alterations to the existing duplex release the ground floor plan with a new steel structure inserted to accommodate a larger living space and improved external connections. Additionally, new vertical circulation in form of an expertly detailed floating timber stair is positioned adjacent the existing front awning, lightening the space and offering a notion of activity back to the street.