Simon and Freda Thornton ARCHITECTS
The Contemplative House SURREY HILLS
In this house for her mother, Freda exhibits her highly personal language of architectural expression. As can be seen from the photographs, this language has been slowly developed drawing from many sources. The result is a uniquely authored building which sits beautifully in the streetscape because it embodies influences from all eras of the evolution of our domestic architecture, while at the same time addressing current values and living patterns.
The house replaces a previous house on the site which was delapidated - originally it was intended to retain the front facade but in the end all that was re-used was a window! This bit of history explains the why you enter through a centrally-placed front door opposite the old front gate. Once inside the intriguingly detailed threshold, a generous Sitting room opens before you, and passing through it, you notice a bedroom to the right. As you continue on, you emerge into a large rear room containing the Kitchen, Dining and Sitting areas, with a Studio and a Study off to the right. Upstairs is a large flowing space, which is a Bedroom and Sitting area, with an ensuite Bathroom.
Wherever you go you notice unique detailing, rich colours and interesting shapes.