Westgarth House is a minimalist house located in Northcote, Australia, designed by Kennedy Nolan Architects. The site is on a corner in a leafy street. The area is quiet and would not feel out of place in a country town. The longest boundary faces north and abuts a generous grass nature strip. Typically the original timber Edwardian house was located towards the corner of the site. Out-buildings were removed and the new work sought to address privileged orientation and heighten the entry sequence. The original house primarily accommodates the family’s own space; call it private. The new building is where day to day life is played out between kitchen and living. This public zone establishes a direct connection to the north lawn.

Photography by Derek Swalwell