Challenge
Designing an addition for an existing house to integrate seamlessly into an inner-Sydney conservation zone would always be challenging. However, for architect Alexander Symes, the multitude of challenges went far further. Symes needed to manage complex acoustics for a resident music composer/creative producer.
Situated next to a Taoist temple where attendees regularly burn joss paper, the project also required innovative solutions to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Additionally, the design needed to adapt for multigenerational living, account for climate change, and provide a sustainable, comfortable living space within a tight 270-sqm suburban footprint.
Solution
Architect Alexander Symes tackled these challenges with a multi-faceted strategy, leveraging sustainable design principles, advanced building materials, and innovative construction techniques. Symes employed the Passive House EnerPHit methodology (an energy retrofit with passive house components) combined with cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction. This approach allowed the project to fit within the conservation zone and simplified construction on the compact site. Locally sourced CLT from XLam, this first use of Australian-sourced CLT in a Passive House project significantly reduced the carbon footprint by sequestering 55,000 kg of CO2-e.
“Using CLT simplified the construction process and ensured a high level of sustainability and durability,” says Symes. “We focused on using locally sourced, PEFC certified timber to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.”
For acoustic management essential for the client’s music production needs, Symes specified high-performance AGG triple-glazing. The Insulglass LowE Plus® triple glazed units incorporated Audioshield® acoustic laminated glazing. Together with high-quality uPVC window and door joinery from Kinzel Industries, the triple-glazing provides exceptional sound and thermal insulation, enhancing the home’s comfort and acoustic environment.
“The combination of high-performance glazing and thoughtful spatial arrangement ensures that the home is a quiet and comfortable sanctuary despite its urban location,” said Symes. “This was crucial for the client’s work as a music composer and producer.”
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the Music Room’s design. The home is fully electric, featuring a 9.8 kW photovoltaic system that significantly reduces grid energy consumption. The house exports nearly six times the amount of energy it consumes, demonstrating its high energy performance.
The spatial arrangement, with bedrooms and lower living rooms around a central double-height void, allows for effective cross-ventilation. Operable skylights use the stack effect for night purging, cooling the house during summer months. Key rooms are oriented to the north, and the high-performance triple glazing provides passive solar heating during winter and maintains cooler temperatures in summer, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency.
“The integration of passive solar design principles and advanced glazing technology has resulted in a home that is not only thermally and acoustically comfortable but also highly energy efficient,” notes Symes.
To combat poor air quality, Symes incorporated a heat-recovery ventilation (HRV) system. This system ensures constant, filtered fresh air, maintaining a healthy indoor environment regardless of external conditions.
“The HRV system was a critical component in ensuring the health and comfort of the occupants,” explains Symes. “It allows the family to enjoy fresh air without the effects of the neighbouring temple’s activities.”
Designed for multigenerational living, the Music Room offers flexible living arrangements. The front cottage can be a self-contained area, providing privacy and independence for different family members. This adaptability ensures the home can accommodate changing needs over time, including ageing in place.
The Music Room demonstrates the potential of sustainable architecture and high-performance building products to overcome complex site challenges and deliver exceptional living environments. Through innovative design, sustainable materials, and a focus on energy efficiency, Alexander Symes Architects have created a home that ensures comfort and sustainability for years to come. The project exemplifies how thoughtful architectural solutions can transform constraints into opportunities, setting a new standard for sustainable residential design in inner-city contexts.
For more information on Insulglass LowE Plus®, and Audioshield® Acoustic Laminate, click below: