Architect Anthony Gill has a special ability to transform small, dark inner-city residences into lush, light-filled homes. His conceptualisation of space means that every inch is thoughtfully considered, planned and programmed in a way that feels discreet and luxurious at the same time. Anthony explains that “at every opportunity, we try to link the spaces strongly with the garden.” This interplay between the outdoor and indoor areas enhances the feeling of spaciousness of both.
Redfern House, designed in collaboration with the owner, landscape architect Sacha Coles, was always going to hold landscape at the core of its design. The narrow terrace, spanning four floors (including a below-ground level), was transformed from a two-bedroom home to one with four bedrooms. A new living area replaced an old lean-to, and a two-storey studio built off the rear lane houses a studio, laundry and storage for the family’s bikes.
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Above the new living area sits a verdant rooftop garden and between the two buildings is a lush courtyard. These two green spaces are at the heart of the design. The rooftop garden, which is visible from the main house and the studio, anchors this home. Sacha says it “was always considered as the centrepiece of the project.” It provides a sense of calm, not only for the occupants, but also for their neighbours. Sacha has planted a combination of natives and exotics, leading to a garden that is not just maintenance-free but “buzzing with native bees and other insects.”
Shade-tolerant spur flower (Plectranthus spp.) and happy wanderer (Hardenbergia spp.) were planted at the foot of the fences at the north of the block. Sun-tolerant species, such as pineapple sage (Salvia elegans), fountain grass (Pennisetum spp.) and knotted club-rush (Ficinia nodosa), are planted along the opposite side. Three circular skylights built into the roof, which resemble tranquil pools of water when viewed in the context of the garden, allow light to flood into the living spaces below.
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Both the living spaces and roof garden are complemented by the courtyard. Receiving a limited amount of direct sun, it has a more tropical feel, and is filled abundantly with palms, figs and ferns, including a giant mounted elkhorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum). Including heavily planted gardens in the design is important to Anthony’s practice. He believes that involving landscape architects and designers early in the design process is crucial to the successful marriage of the landscaping and the architecture. “[By] dedicating as much outdoor space as possible to a densely planted garden … as opposed to a lawn or hard surfaces, the overall experience is significantly enriched.”
This extract is republished with permission from Outside In by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan’s, published by Smith Street Books.