Fenster

Sliding pocket doors connect the space to the rooftop garden.

The balance of old and new achieved in the project impressed the jury for the Australian Institute of Architects 2020 awards, which commended Bokey-Grant by saying, "JJ House is exemplary as an approach for altering and establishing a sense of individuality in the recognizable housing stock of our suburbs."

The large bay window provides natural light and additional bench seating. It was inspired by a study of medieval windows.

“There have been so many cool things we’ve done in this home that we’ve been wanting to do with our clients for a long time, but it’s difficult to sell an idea to someone when you haven’t done it before yourself,” explains Joel. “Take for instance the living platform. If you describe the notion of a living platform to a client, they might think you’re a bit off your rocker, but when they see it and they see the kids playing on it and how it interacts between indoor and out, it instantly opens up new possibilities.”

Now, at the top of the stairs, the owners are met with a beautiful view to the mountains.

Living Room

The master suite has a large, corner window that creates a private, interior terrace for enjoying the natural landscape.

In the entry, a high interior window borrows light from the bedroom wing and a woven wood screen in the kitchen lets the owners see who’s at the front door. Kalon Studios crafted the bench from a single ash log. “It will split a bit over time,” Lachapelle says.

In the master bath, an IKEA vanity with matte black wall faucets from the Jason Wu for Brizio collection continue the simple, contemporary feel of the home. Skylights allow light to enter even the most private of spaces.

Wood framed glazing follows the slope of the gable above, referencing the original roof shape of the home.

Breathtaking view from the master bed

The capacious foyer of the home is now joined by an airy atrium that soars from the basement to the roof. Expansive interior openings lined with wood frame the view into the atrium.

In the main bedroom, the large upper windows connect the interior to a third-floor roof deck.

Skylights at the loft level bring light deep into the building.

The double-height ceiling makes the living room of this compact cabin feel downright grand.

The views look like framed works of art.