Armadillo Addition

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Type

Detailed Hardwood Addition to a Masonry Cottage

Architect

NEA Studio

Engineer

SDA Structure

Photography

Nathan Etherington

Section A

View out to sunny courtyard.

First floor timber balustrade.

Natural light provided by louvres.

Private study nook.

Seamless transition from living room to courtyard.

Vibrant display of contrast between the blue joinery and red curtain.

Large sliding door that either separates or combines the dining and lounge rooms.

Side access of terrace house.

Simple bathroom tiles that give more of a focus on the vibrancy in other areas of the home.

Full elevation of the external battens that give privacy the to first floor.

Our Impact

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Our Process

Pre-Construction

Pre-construction centred on carefully analysing the existing cottage and planning how the addition would connect both structurally and spatially. Early investigations informed demolition, excavation and structural interfaces, ensuring the new works could integrate seamlessly with the retained building fabric and be delivered efficiently once on site.

Detailed assessment of the existing structure to guide new connections

Coordinated demolition and excavation planning

Structural interfaces resolved prior to commencement

Model view of addition created by NEA Studio

Street facing view of existing front facing façade

Early Works

The early works phase focused on preparing the existing dwelling and site for the new addition with minimal disruption. This stage prioritised protecting retained elements and setting accurate benchmarks for the structural works to follow.

Selective demolition to retain and protect the existing cottage

Excavation and ground preparation for new footings and slab

Temporary works installed to stabilise retained structure

Services identified, isolated and prepared for integration with new works

Initial demolition of the existing rear of the building

Detailed excavation to make way for concrete

Structure

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Floor joists sit on posts and span the length of the addition

Structural walls create an envelope upon which the rest of the building is constructed

Enclosure

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Colorbond custom orb cladding installed to the Southern façade

Hardwood doors and windows installed to Eastern façade

Interiors

The interiors emphasise a timber-heavy aesthetic, with warm, tactile surfaces that complement the existing cottage. Structural elements are celebrated, while blue joinery provides a bold, contemporary contrast and a strong visual anchor. The layout is designed to create a seamless transition between inside and outside, connecting living spaces with the garden and outdoor areas.

Timber-rich interiors that highlight material warmth and texture

Blue joinery integrated as a bold, functional feature

Joinery and storage designed to align with the structural grid

Seamless flow between internal spaces and the outdoors