Set amidst the rolling hills of the Torrens Valley in the Adelaide Hills, a modest addition to a cherished Settler’s cottage aims to enhance a beloved family retreat, while also honouring the original structure and its humble character and scale. Originally intended as a weekender, the home has been expanded to accommodate contemporary living needs, balancing both a modern comfort with a familiar and expected historical authenticity

Characterised by a low, flat roof and a deliberately restrained materiality, the addition sits recessively within the surrounding landscape setting. The aim was to both allow the existing cottage to remain the focus, and the new to follow a similar vernacular, yet be an interpretation to detailing and materiality. Twisted slightly off-axis, the new form opens generously toward the garden and the sun, while the living room is oriented to frame distant valley views.

A carefully articulated entryway marks the transition between past and present, guiding visitors through a threshold of rhythmically spaced posts. The continuous verandah provides both shelter and respite, while also creating an in-between space to be immersed amongst the sensory offerings of the landscape. With the original cottage lovingly restored and readied for the chapters to come, it was also transformed into private bedrooms and secondary living spaces for the owners. The bringing together of old and new – and the open connection offered by the glazed corridor – ensures a composed environment is created for gatherings that also retains the memory and warmth of the past amongst a commitment to sustainable design initiatives.