Projects – Preston Lane

Art and Garden House

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:44:52 +0000

Designed to celebrate the clients love of gardening and art, this new double storey house was conceived as two volumes with separate roles. The larger building accommodates typical domestic spaces; bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen and dining area, while the smaller volume houses a generous living space and a purpose-built artists studio for the client which faces the street and engages the house with the neighbourhood.
Connections to the garden are framed throughout the design of the house – with the primary living spaces pivoting around the garden and the pool to the rear of the site.
Each room has been designed with accessibility in mind to assists the daily rituals of our client who uses a wheelchair.

Photography: Thurston Empson

Peppercorn House

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:07:21 +0000

Photography: Thurston Empson

Norfolk Crescent

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:27:21 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Allunga Road Multi

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:41:47 +0000

Situated in the suburb of Chigwell adjacent a busy roundabout, the site is bordered by streets on three sides. The project brief was to develop social housing units to replace a pre-existing two storey development that existed on the site.
A key design consideration for this multi-residential development was to reduce the perceived scale of the building and to provide an appropriate fit within the neighbourhood.
The design comprises twelve one-bedroom units over two levels, and six two-bedroom units located over a concealed carpark. The units are broken into three forms which are connected by a simple circulation spine which connects the site in an East West direction as the units radiate around a central outdoor area.

Photography: Matt Sansom

Jordan House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:47:08 +0000

Jordan House is a heritage listed property comprising a two storey late Georgian residence (circa1850) and sandstone stable set within a rural setting. The project focused on the restoration of the Georgian building and a reconsideration of the existing site through the new built elements as they interact with the stable, the farm and the surrounding landscape. The demolition of a 1970s extension at the rear of the heritage building, allowed for open-plan additions that seamlessly blend with the surrounding farm environment, providing a functional living space that complements the property’s heritage character.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Awards:
2025 AIA Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

2025 AIA Tasmanian Architecture Awards
Colorbond Awards for Steel Architcture – Commendation

Letitia Street Housing

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:36:42 +0000

Photography: Matt Sansom

Newtown High School STEM Centre

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:07:23 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Smith Street Townhouses

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:06:27 +0000

Photography: Jellis Craig

Darcy Street

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:07:21 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Regent Street Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:01:51 +0000

Located on the roundabout of a suburban arterial road in the heart of Sandy Bay, the extension steps up the slope of the corner site as it opens to the North enabling privacy for the occupants and distance from the noise of the road below.

Preston Lane was engaged to modernise the property to provide spaces for a growing family currently residing in Singapore. The extension included the revitalisation of the existing character home (back to its original form) and a substantial rear extension. An existing two-level extension was removed as part of the works to reveal the original dwelling and to enable a better relationship between the internal and external spaces within the new works.

A new entry has been created off Alexander Street, providing greater connection to the homes new Living spaces housed within the new works, whilst a subtle side entry from Regent Street has been maintained.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Shoreham House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 01:41:00 +0000

Photogrpahy: Eve Wilson

Kolster House

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:22:28 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Richmond House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:32:25 +0000

The project comprised of the renovation of the heritage house and removal of the poorly built extension to make way for a contemporary addition, whilst highlighting the features of the original house. The client’s brief was to create a large family home in Richmond, consisting of 4 bedrooms, multiple living spaces, and a swimming pool.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Northcote House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:08:59 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Tate House Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 01:11:47 +0000

Tate House is an iconic Tasmanian house built in 1959. Designed by Esmond Dorney, the house is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage register primarily for its curved lightweight roof structure. The new works were considered through the lens of conserving the significant aspects of the home and building upon them.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Waldheim House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:00:35 +0000

This project comprised of the renovation and refurbishment to the original 1920’s bungalow ‘Waldheim’, the demolition of a poorly designed extension, and the integration of a contemporary, spacious, and light filled new extension, connected seamlessly to a wonderful new garden and swimming pool.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Brick Bungalow

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 01:28:40 +0000

The brief for this project was to design a new larger family house, replacing an existing small bungalow that was inspired by the key features of bungalows, in a contemporary manner not reproduction. Our clients wanted a porch they could sit within and watch the street.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Broad Arrow Winery

prestonlaneadmin — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 22:58:59 +0000

Hutchins Masterplan

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 30 May 2022 07:27:49 +0000

Lavender Park House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 30 May 2022 07:12:41 +0000

The brief for this project was to sensitively renovate the existing house, respecting and referencing the original mid century style.

Photography: Adam Gibson

St Lukes Cimitiere

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 30 May 2022 06:35:45 +0000

Bluff House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 30 May 2022 06:21:01 +0000

Bluff House sits comfortably in the corner of a cul-der-sac in the rural beach side suburb of Spring Beach on the East Coast of Tasmania.

Preston Lane was engaged to design a holiday home, providing a place to relax, to unwind, connect with the surroundings and soak in the sun in an understated manner. The home was to be without pretention and sit quietly in its context which consists of an eclectic mix of building types.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Long Beach Amenities

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 30 May 2022 06:03:52 +0000

Located in the parkland of Long Beach Reserve in Sandy Bay. The brief called for new toilet facilities and outdoor shower facilities

Photography: Adam Gibson

Snug Primary School Gymnasium

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:16:30 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

North South House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:08:07 +0000

North South House is located in the Eastern Melbourne suburb of Box Hill South. The original post war weatherboard house was quaint but unremarkable and the project started as a typical rear extension. As the brief and scope of the project developed through a series of concept designs it quickly became apparent that it was more feasible to demolish the existing house and start again.

The brief called for a new family home consisting of 4 bedrooms, two separate living spaces, multiple study spaces, a swimming pool, as well as most importantly the ability to capture the northern sun on the deep north south oriented block. The house had to incorporate the latest high efficiency heat pump technologies, solar and battery systems.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Parnell Facade

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 10 May 2021 05:50:47 +0000

The project brief was to restore the original front of the house and partly demolish a poorly designed 1980’s extension which was dark and had no connection to the garden. A light filled contemporary extension that opened to the backyard and existing pool was proposed, incorporating existing structure and building fabric where possible to meet the project budget.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

Pirie St Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 06:02:08 +0000

Pirie Street Extension reclines back onto a hill in New Town and gazes at the mountain, providing an outward focus to what was an internalised but charming 1910 cottage. Designed to soak in the sun, capture the mountain and feel immersed in the garden, a play with volume increases the perceived size of the space whilst maintaining a modest footprint. The form is clipped and white, a crisp contrast to the soft textural garden in which it sits. Weatherboards reference the existing house, yet are unmistakably modern with mitred corners. A thin aluminium awning creates a fine, sharp eyelid. The interior is restrained as a blank canvas for paintings. Pirie St extension isn’t a home of one singular moment/gesture rather a home integrated and fit, filled with many moments.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Markham House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:27:12 +0000

The brief for this project was to restore a severely dilapidated house into a new four bedroom home with two living areas and off street parking via a rear lane. Located in a heritage overlay the existing house had to stay and any new proposal was to be respectful to the existing dwelling and the surrounding streetscape. Locating the extension to the rear of the site ensured this respectfulness and set up a zoning to the house to allow separation from the main bedroom at the front, the new living spaces on the ground floor and the new bedrooms located upstairs. Given the new extension was built boundary to boundary a large void was inserted over the new living spaces to provide eastern light deep into the plan further connecting the upstairs rooms with the spaces below.

Photography: Dylan James

Ilfracombe St Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:44:21 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Bentley House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 06:11:05 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Henry St Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 06:26:26 +0000

Photography: Adam Gibson

Point View House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 03:51:25 +0000

This modification and extension of a 1930’s river side brick home is flanked by a busy street on one side, and a Derwent River marina on the other. The project inverts the standard architectural response in the area by discreetly carving in to the landscape rather than building up.

Circulation is deliberately contained to the rear of the building to allow key functions to be pushed to the façade, creating light filled spaces despite being underground. Manipulation of the connection between old and new provides a contrast between open plan and private living to give the occupants a balance of family living and private retreat spaces.

Photography: Adam Gibson

UTAS Glass House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:32:40 +0000

The Glasshouse is located in the Lifesciences Precinct at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus. The facility is a PC2/QC2 (Physical Containment Level 2 / Quarantine Containment Level 2) glasshouse facility complete with a lab and growth chambers.

The form of the building is simple and maximises light and volume within the space. A modulated super structure was proposed and arrayed throughout the building – enabling the structure to have a fineness to it and allowing for the glazing to be easily integrated.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Knocklofty Terrace Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 04:20:09 +0000

Knocklofty extension transforms a 1980s red brick veneer home into a modern, warehouse inspired family home. The home sits on a steep site overlooking West Hobart and the River Derwent beyond. To meet the clients brief the existing roof was removed, the building was simplified and a new level was added.

Volume and large glazing elements draw in light and provide a fresh, airy feeling to the home. Alterations enable social interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces but also between the living spaces and parents loft above.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Lansdowne Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 05:15:37 +0000

Lansdowne Extension injects a light-filled extension into a 1920s semi-detached house. The new works sleeve out of the existing house, working within constraints of the narrow width of the home and location of secondary storage shed. The new works provided a master bedroom with a dark moody ensuite, a new family bathroom, a hidden laundry, a study niche, living, kitchen, dining and outdoor entertaining area.

Play with volume, increases the perceived size of the space, and draws light deep into the home. An operable screen provides privacy, whilst also enabling the owners to mediate light levels. Recycled brick stairs lead you from the kitchen/dining down to the deck and into the garden beyond.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Plenty Rd

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 01:12:44 +0000

Plenty Road Preston comprises of a 12 storey, 2 level basement Mixed Use development which offers 33 – 3 bed apartments sited on the corner of Raglan street. The local area is undergoing a transformation from traditional small scale commercial and industrial premises to higher scale mixed use built forms. The proposed development pays homage to the industrial heritage of the area through the use of red brick cladding as a reference to the Clifton Brickworks.

Mawhera Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:40:11 +0000

Mawhera Extension re-organises the internal spaces of a period home on a sloping site which had undergone previous alterations. The clients, a family of five, loved the house and location but longed for greater connection between internal living spaces and the garden at the lower level.

The main living and dining area is modest in size but allows for different activities to coexist. Window seating offers a comfortable place to sit on the edge of the room in the sun, similarly, a study nook mediates between living and stair void. The house has grown in functionality and serves the families growing needs. Natural ventilation and light-filled spaces add to the liveability of the home.

Photography: Adam Gibson

105 Macquarie Street Apartments

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:33:45 +0000

The project involved the re-imagining of the upper most floor of a prominent heritage listed building in central Hobart. Formerly used as office space the brief was to provide two short term stay apartments each with a distinct ‘personality’ reflective of their position and aspect within the building.

The first unit overlooking a prominent park encompasses the idea of celebration through bold colour (abstract mural commissioned by local artist ‘Eloise Lark’), generous use of light and volume; the second unit exploring the concept of contemplation through the controlled use of light scale and tactile materials.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Brick Residence

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 01:12:56 +0000

The brief for the ‘Brick Residence’ Elsternwick was to undertake a modest extension, creating a larger light-filled family home which respected and preserved the legacy of the original classic modernist house designed by Ernest Fooks; and remarkably retained in the family since its commission by our clients Grandfather in 1951.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

Victorian Pride Centre

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 01:12:03 +0000

Shortlisted Competition Entry

The VPC provides an architectural backdrop for the vision of a more inclusive Australia, setting a new standard for the world to see. The brief required an iconic building that unites the LGBTQI community & rejuvenates Fitzroy St, St Kilda. Our proposal for the 25-million-dollar VPC is based around principles of community, safety, respect, inclusiveness & optimism. Our concept is inspired by traditional buildings of worship which offer sanctuary, an open door, a place of respite & a place of celebration. Historically these buildings are places for the entire community. Our response integrates into the existing urban character, blurring the edges between public & private space. We explore architectural concepts of the ‘thickened skin’ & the sanctuary within.

Farm Hill House

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 05:09:27 +0000

Set on a windswept site in the suburb of West Hobart, the building steps down the slope, taking in the expansive views of the city and River Derwent beyond, whilst providing sheltered outdoor spaces which circulate the home for enjoyment throughout the day.

A neutral material palette has been provided both inside and out. A masonry base, acts as a cradle for the home to sit, enabling a lightweight structure to sleeve into. Lightweight forms are detailed and incorporate timber and textured elements, providing more tectonic qualities for user interaction.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Langridge St Commercial

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 03:48:57 +0000

71 Langridge Street is a 7 level 5300sqm commercial office development in the heart of Collingwood. The building is composed of two different facades reducing the visual scale in the streetscape and responding to the fine grain, mixed use industrial nature of the suburb. The main building is conceived as a warehouse space incorporating a façade of red brick and stained concrete. The rear wall of the internal lifts and shaft are glazed revealing a private art gallery within the fire stair as you move up and down the lift.

Photography: Mitch Lyons / Lyons Photography

Kangaroo Bay Pavilion

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 04:26:47 +0000

Situated in the heart of the Kangaroo Bay Parklands, the Kangaroo Bay Pavilion sits lightly in its context – nestled between a bay, a playground and a sports oval. A coloured soffit, crisp white yacht mast-like columns and polished stainless steel enable the form to complement its surroundings and ‘borrow’ the landscape. The brief for the project called for a barbeque and amenities pavilion which also included a purposely designed ‘Changing Places’ accessible changing facility and ancillary storage.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Jakadjari Hair

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 04:49:00 +0000

Located within Hobart’s CBD, Jakadjari Hair Salon is located within a heritage listed building with neighbouring buildings on either side. The brief was to convert four levels of an out-dated office space into a unique, luxury hair salon for Hobart’s premier hair salon.

The design pays respect to the existing historical building, while enhancing light and flexibility of the space. Interior spaces are considered with restored heritage walls in light tones, and contrasting with the new black joinery insertions. Glimpses of the heritage fabric is made through the repeated exposure of existing brick, using a repeating circular motif. Splashes of luxe gold are interlaced throughout the new works as joinery handles, decorative screens, and reflective feature ceilings.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Lauderdale Primary Kinder & GLA Addition

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 22:02:59 +0000

The recently completed works at Lauderdale Primary were undertaken to establish a new heart to the existing school. Sitting at the edge of the grounds, the new building provides a ‘bookend’ to the school – shielding the wider school and new outdoor learning areas from the prominent South Arm highway adjacent. The new building is orientated to overlook the heart of the school and provide strong connections between the early learning area and the older year groups. Stepping down the site, in unison with the slope of the land, the new GLA’s connect strongly with the adjacent playspace placing emphasis on outdoor learning and play.

Photography by Adam Gibson

111 Elwood

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:04:49 +0000

Three storey multi-residential development in Elwood consisting of 7 Townhouses and 2 Penthouse Apartments including basement car parking. The development offers four private pools: two located on the roof top terraces which are accessed internally from the penthouse apartments, with the other two pools at ground level.

Photography: Thurston Empson

UTAS Student Lounge

prestonlaneadmin — Fri, 01 May 2015 05:23:10 +0000

The UTAS Student Lounge on the Sandy Bay campus was designed to strengthen movement paths, provide students with varied study nooks for individual and group learning and to provide a social space that spills out onto the main campus boulevard. Key to design is a feature joinery spine that is manipulated to suit standing and sitting study. Plywood blades splice through the joinery item to encourage conversation between the rear study ‘caves’ and large open plan area. A robust palette of plywood and concrete were used to compliment the existing raw materiality of the building. Colour is playfully applied to signify that the new hub is a joyous space for students to ‘chill out’ in between classes and be with their mates indoors and out.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Brunswick West House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 01:34:46 +0000

This project is comprised of an existing period house in a Heritage Overlay with a rear two-storey addition. A north-facing site meant any rear addition had to deal with a more difficult southern aspect, so the addition is offset from the back of the house to create a central light-catching courtyard void. The new works were conceived as an extension of the existing fabric, but with their own distinct geometries which demarcate old and new. To minimise footprint and maximise open space, specially integrated joinery and zoning devices create an efficient and flexible plan, while the interior character was considered as a counterpoint to the ‘pretty’ decorative exterior – a warm and tactile heart contained within a more formal shell. Photography by Derek Swalwell

Tassal Head office fitout

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:08:12 +0000

The fit out for the new head office for Tassal focussed on pulling office functions off the glazed perimeter of the building. This strategic move not only celebrates its 360 degree views across Hobart’s waterfront, but also reflects the client’s desire for a free flowing work environment.

‘Floating’ office pods are scattered throughout the open plan, providing varied work stations and private rooms. The pods (like Tassals’ salmon ponds downstream) are rich in texture and layered with material repetition to create a sense of movement within the space. The recessive, black core establishes a backdrop to the space whilst concealing the ancillary facilities for the office.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Spring Beach Getaway

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 01:11:26 +0000

Located at Spring Beach on Tasmania’s East Coast, the house is shared between two families providing a gathering place for escape relaxation in the sun and also a place to enjoy the joys of growing families and the company of friends. The concept for the project evolved from a pragmatic response to the site, a desire to capture specific views both to and from the house and from the challenge of accommodating two families and their needs within a modest footprint and budget. A main living pavilion, offset from the private bedroom pavilion, provides the focal point of the house, a place to gather, relax and enjoy the sun.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Horse Shoe House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 22:26:20 +0000

Set in an established suburb on the outskirts of Hobart, the site takes in expansive views and overlooks both Blackmans Bay Beach to the North and the River Derwent to the East. The arrangement of the project enables controlled cross views between different parts of the house offered by the location and shape of the window apertures. Physical separation is afforded between the family, study and play spaces, whilst visual surveillance/integration is maintained between them, creating an inclusive living environment. Internally, a light material palette contrasts the dark exterior. Rooms are washed in white with selected joinery finished in timber veneer.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Milkman’s Cottage

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 01:06:06 +0000

The project involved the alterations and additions to a small 1870’s milkman’s cottage. The brief centered around providing privacy, catching sunlight and maximizing useable internal and external space without compromising the original ‘bones’ of the heritage home. The extension celebrates tall and light filled spaces deliberately providing a contrast against the dimly lit and cosy alcoves of the original cottage. The subtle shift of materials and texture also highlights the shift between old and new.The extension steps off the rear boundary to carve out space for a sun drenched courtyard.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Malvern East House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:33:45 +0000

Responding to a growing family the Malvern East House provides an enriched canvas for family life. Refurbishing the existing home, including the demolition of a poorly planned rear extension, enabled the addition of a light filled sequence of connected and flexible spaces. Sited over a series of split levels, the home responds to the existing landscape and offers a range of considered yet controlled views and connections to the functional back yard and swimming pool, or private internal courtyards. The natural material palate, timber, concrete, and masonry, introduces a textured and tactile theme throughout all aspects of the home responding to the functional demands of each individual space.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Brunswick House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 04:05:56 +0000

Key to the clients’ brief for Brunswick House was to provide better connections between the indoor and outdoor spaces and optimize the use of natural light throughout the house. Soft light bounces off the water of the new lap pool onto the ceiling intermingled with gentle shadows from the trees in the adjacent property on the western boundary. The crisp lines of the fine steel window frames and perforated mesh box overhead provide a contemporary addition to the original double storey Victorian terrace which intentionally contrast the original period features.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Dolphin Sands Lighthouse

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 01:44:00 +0000

The key concept for the holiday home on the beautiful East Coast of Tasmania was to design a platform for winter living. The building gestures towards the sun from behind, yet orients users towards the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula to the south. For the clients, a desire to sit with the sun on their backs looking down the coastline was what shack living and a home away from home was all about. Internally, emphasis is placed on the social spaces of the home. Central to the scheme is a large dining table and corner window seat that are both bathed in sunlight. A small and sheltered north facing deck allows for a physical connection to the dune at the rear and is sheltered from the prevailing winds.

Photography by Adam Gibson

Mt St Vincent Community & Learning Centre

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 22:08:24 +0000

The Mt St Vincent Community and Learning Centre is located in Ulverstone, Tasmania. The project is a joint initiative between the University of Tasmania and Mt St Vincent Nursing Home to increase student and community resources in regional and rural centres and provide the North West Coast of Tasmania with a dedicated Teaching, Community and Aged Care Support Facility. The facility offers flexible teaching and community function areas plus a dedicated specialized teleconference room and other teaching support facilities. The Centre will play a role in broadening the range of professional education, dementia and palliative care opportunities and local community events available within its local area.

Photography: Adam Gibson

Clifton Hill House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 06:21:07 +0000

Positioned opposite a parkland to the rear of the block, the project consists of a timber clad extension to a single storey weatherboard semi-detached dwelling along with the general refurbishment of the existing house. A split-level configuration of the kitchen on the lower level and an elevated dining/living area provide views back to the city along with space for car parking below.

An internal courtyard between the old and the new along with a high level splayed window above the kitchen infuses generous light and a sense of spaciousness to this otherwise compact extension. A terraced timber deck to the east allows access from the new extension back to the park at street level and acts as a delightful play area.

Photography: Derek Swalwell

Winscombe Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 06:05:58 +0000

The project consists of a rear extension to a 1920’s Californian Bungalow in Hobart. A split level arrangement provides living spaces at the lower level and sleeping spaces at the upper level. The living spaces are light and open with good connections to the outside, whilst the upper level form is solid and the weatherboard cladding taking cues from the existing building, providing a balance between the old and new works. Splayed reveals at the upper level, broaden the view from within and provide a psychological connection with the backyard.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Mays Beach House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 22:42:35 +0000

Set on a windswept hillside overlooking Frederick Henry Bay the project evolved from a pragmatic response to the challenges of occupying an exposed often extreme coastal site. Born from these conditions the design robustly responds establishing the house as a ‘windbreak’ to the bay this gesture in turn creating a haven from the elements tucked in behind.

Stretched across the site the house follows the lay of the land, the simple form higher at the front addressing the scale of its context, lower to the rear allowing a more human scale to prevail.

Photography by Jonathan Wherrett

Elwood House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:16:05 +0000

Elwood House features the adaptive reuse and transformation of a cold, dark and inefficient 1915 Edwardian house into a warm and light filled family home that has direct connections to the outside.

The new material palette of concrete block, brick, timber and polished concrete complement the original red brick and stucco house. Full height north-facing steel framed doors and windows allow natural light into the new living area extension opening up the new living spaces to the rear garden. Black glazed bricks were selected for the dividing fireplace element between the living and dining areas accentuating the drama between textures and materials.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Mt Pleasant House Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:54:02 +0000

Mount Pleasant is a National trust registered property comprising a Georgian residence (circa1835) and outbuildings set within a one acre garden setting. The project brief called for the renovation of the existing residence, the addition of a conservatory to provide everyday living and dining space and the construction of a new garage.

The project is in essence a re-organisation of the existing site through a series of new built elements. Through the insertion of a conservatory, garage, podiums and landscape walls a considered re-interpretation shifts the way the existing built and cultivated fabric is experienced.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Browne Street House Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 22:50:10 +0000

The project was an exercise in maximising the potential of the rear of a 1920’s home. The young family required more room and were in need of some useable outdoor play space for the kids to enjoy. A new addition on a podium provides greater solar gain, connections to the garden and commands the views of the city and beyond which were all previously underutilised.

The project is defined by three key design gestures. The establishment of a new podium to the rear, crafting of a new ‘floating’ roof and the sleeving of the new into the old through the relocation of the heart of the home to the rear of the property.

Photography by Jonathan Wherrett

Weld Street Kitchen

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:15:38 +0000

The renovation stemmed from the need to inject new life and light into the everyday spaces of the 1880’s Henry Hunter designed home.

The concept for the renovation established a light scoop for family life in the previously dark and confined kitchen space. Horizontality is expressed through the American oak banding so to draw users through the space to either the garden or remainder of the house. Timber jewel boxes allow the family to sit around the edges so to not over crowd the busy kitchen environment. Internally, the bay box window catches the afternoon sun whilst providing a family lounging spot on the fringe of the busy kitchen. Externally the fine steel armour is plugged onto the existing sandstone walls, establishing a relationship between materials that age well.

Photography: Jonathan Wherrett

The Basement

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 23:46:12 +0000

The project is located in the sub-floor basement of a heritage listed Victorian Regency building in the heart of Hobart. Previously neglected and used as storage; the role of the project was to provide the growing business above with an additional flexible boardroom, office and function space with associated amenities.

Two simple design gestures are employed. Firstly the controlled expression of the existing fabric, and secondly the insertion of a recessive ‘black box element’ holding and concealing all ancillary services. Conceptually these two strategies increase the perceived size of the spaces and focus the occupant toward the tactile qualities of the existing fabric.

Photography by Jonathan Wherrett

St James Apartments

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:15:35 +0000

This projects looks at a general refurbishment of the common areas at the high-end St James Apartments along St Kilda Road.

The material palette features the use of bluestone, timber slats, dark carpet, coloured mosaics and textured wallpaper to bring a level of simple sophistication. On the two basement car park levels, new timber slats give more prominence to the lift entries. A graphic inspired by the leaves of the elm trees that line St Kilda Road dot the new frameless glass sliding doors transitioning the residents into their private apartments. Considered detailing across this project is extended in the steel frames that project slightly beyond the edges of the honed Fontaine Blue stone that clad the walls.

Photography by Michael Kai

Cellar Door- Gasworks

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:10:17 +0000

The Gasworks Cellar Door, is a new business model in Tasmania, where wineries from across the state can showcase their products. The heritage building consists of three rooms each dedicated to describing the particularities of each of the three major Tasmanian wine regions — North, East & South and a central foyer is used to describe the history of wine-making in Tasmania.

The concept has created a gallery-like experience where people can enjoy a glass of wine and learn about Tasmanian wine in the interchanging regional galleries. The project was undertaken in collaboration with Futago who provided the graphic design and, Chris Viney who developed the interpretive content.

Photography by Peter Whyte

UTAS Arts School Pathways

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:04:54 +0000

The UTAS Pathways Project focussed on developing an integrated and co-located model for creative arts education within Tasmania. The project placed an emphasis upon developing strong and effective linkages between the Tasmanian Polytechnic and the University of Tasmania arts programs through the re-development of the Hunter Street campus.

The project focused on integrating a range of multi-discipline, flexible learning space into Drawing, Screen Printing, Photography, Electronic Media, Visual Communications, Print Making, Sculpture and Digital fabrication studios.

Boot Leg Reserve House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:51:42 +0000

The Boot Leg Reserve house sits amidst a wooded setting within the suburb of Sandy Bay. Designed for a young professional couple, separation between the adult and children’s bedrooms was also desired.

Conceptually the house is composed of a simple timber box sitting within a concrete cradle. The cradle is cut into the land and anchors the house to the site. The simple form of the house, belies a complex set of spatial connections. Cross linked spaces and the manipulation of spatial volumes expands upon the perceived size of compact rooms and provides unexpected connections to spaces beyond. This was a key device used to make a smaller house feel larger.

Darcy Street Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:50:15 +0000

This project consists of an extension to an existing 1920’s Federation House in South Hobart. The existing residence was dark and enclosed, with little relationship to its backyard. The project brief sought to provide a new open living space which allowed light to penetrate throughout the day, and provide a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The main inspiration for the extension came from an existing wall of an adjoining warehouse at the rear of the site. This beautifully aged and textured façade provides a sense of enclosure to the rear of the property as well as a backdrop for the new extension. The new elevated living spaces provide a viewing plane focusing on this wall and the garden in between is perceived as an extension of this space.

St Canice Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:48:18 +0000

This project involved a major alteration and extension to an existing 1920’s house in Sandy Bay. It presented a unique opportunity to provide two separate additions; an inward focused rear extension containing gallery, bedrooms and services, and a projecting living addition to the front of the house responding to the panoramic views of the Derwent River.

Our approach to this project was to identify the key original elements of the house and then insert a new contemporary extension. The rear extension focuses on revealing sections of the original sandstone wall and its unique deep reveal highlight windows.

Photography by Richard Eastwood

Richmond Extension

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 01:54:46 +0000

The project consists of alterations and an extension to a heritage listed Colonial Georgian property in the township of Richmond. The project brief sought to maintain the integrity of the existing dwelling, maintain the strong streetscape significance and provide a greater connection between inside and outside spaces.

The angled roof form of the new extension draws in northern light and creates a sheltered courtyard between it and the existing dwelling. The extension clearly contrasts with the original Georgian fabric with its contemporary glass and steel frame structure, complimented with timber cladding to provide warmth.

Photography by Jonathan Wherrett

Roches Beach House

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 00:46:23 +0000

The project is a large family house on one of the last remaining sites to be developed in Roches Beach. The project brief called for 4-5 bedrooms with several living areas with all to incorporate the panoramic beach views.

The building program is split over two levels allowing for a smaller footprint and is designed and oriented to suit the changing Tasmanian conditions. The house is robust in nature with a number of external spaces that shelter from the breeze and provide privacy from neighbouring properties. The building consists of a layering of contrasting materials; warm western red cedar timber boards and painted cement sheet cladding.

Photography by Jonathan Wherrett

Bonnet Hill House

prestonlaneadmin — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:46:37 +0000

Bonnet Hill House takes in expansive views to both the mouth of the Derwent River to the East and the Wellington Mountain Ranges to the West.

The main challenge of this project was responding to the harsh micro climate of such an exposed site and organising a series of living spaces both internal and external that provide shelter at different times of the day and year, along with allowing the remarkable views to be experienced from within. The spaces within the pavilions are organised between masonry blade walls which run north south and are located to maximise passive solar opportunities along with provide shelter from the prevailing winds.

Photography by Ralph Alfonso

Downes Avenue House

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:16:00 +0000

As you approach this unique 1920s Spanish Mission Bungalow, you get a hint of the new timber clad extension to the rear.

The main challenge of this project was the orientation of a rear south facing block. The proposal introduces a new angled roof to the North which houses high level galvanised steel windows bathing the new living spaces with warmth, natural light and ventilation.

Photography by Michael Kai

Hobart Waterfront

prestonlaneadmin — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 04:53:39 +0000

Winner – Hobart Waterfront International Design Competition

Our proposal seeks to develop several of the successful spatial types that are found throughout the city centre and around Sullivan’s cove. The investigation of these individual spatial types, and their ability to extend activity across the 6 prescribed sites, has produced a hybridised arrangement that binds them into a singular urban composition. Our scheme employs these already successful models as the point of departure for our proposal. Based on their suitability and potential for creative adaptation, each model has been adopted by one or more of the competition sites. The result is a series of discrete and site-specific responses that develop these models in response to the opportunities presented by each of their immediate contexts.

Flinders Street Station

prestonlaneadmin — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 00:34:36 +0000

Our proposal provides a new urban concept for the revival of Flinders Street Station in the heart of Melbourne. The site offers opportunities for both the rectification of the existing context at an urban scale along with unique experiential opportunities for the public as they meander through the reclaimed cityscape. The scheme is so much more than a train station that purely sucks people in and out of the city; instead the ‘Terrain Station’ is a gift to the people of the city which engages the senses and provides delight to the mind.

‘Terrain Station’ will unite nature, the built environment and the community.

Seaford Life Saving Club

prestonlaneadmin — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 01:21:52 +0000

Commendation – Seaford Life Saving Club Design Competition

The redevelopment of the Seaford Life Saving Club provides an opportunity for the reconnection of the currently separated zones within the local community. The scheme looks at strengthening the east-west connections already provided by the rail corridor and residential area within this precinct by giving priority to pedestrian movement over vehicular traffic.

The interplay of light and heavy timber elements dictate the public and private spaces and provide a wind barrier to the south. The café sits elevated to the east addressing the street and dips to the west providing shelter for the occupants within.