Takt | Studio for Architecture
Takt | Studio for Architecture was formed to create meaningful buildings. Buildings that enhance lives. Buildings that age gracefully. Buildings that explore the possibilities of site, light, sustainability, material, finance and desire. Takt provides a complete package of architectural services tailored to the requirements of each project. Holistic project management ensures continuity from concept to completion. Our studio driven creative process draws the most from brief and budget with innovative spatial and material solutions. The practice is based in the Illawarra near Wollongong, working across New South Wales, from the South Coast to the Southern Highlands to Sydney.
Driving directions to Takt | Studio for Architecture on map
Takt | Studio for Architecture on Google Maps
Projects:
Escarpment House
Thirroul NSW, 2015
Just above sea level, perched on a sandstone platform surrounded by the Illawarra escarpment, this site enjoys northerly views and sunlight. Elongated east west and maximising shelter from the south, a simple two storey plan sees sleeping accommodation perched over a living space connected directly to its outside garden. This ground floor undercroft is defined by a rhythmic concrete post and beam structure, which continues into the landscape to blur inside and out. Views are carefully orchestrated – to the escarpment to highlight connection between earth and sky, and to the ocean to the east. A flexible plan incorporating a separate entrance to one bedroom and associated facilities, ensures a great flexibility for the current and future owners. It is easily adapted to a home business, teenage retreat, or multi-generational living.
Copper House
Coogee, 2011
The copper house in Coogee was designed as a beach holiday retreat. Its site was extremely tight and steep, resulting in a small footprint. Stepping down the hill, the three sections of the building follow the contour. A butterfly roof allows both views and admits winter sun while privacy for its occupants and neighbours is maintained. A dark concrete slab defines the platform for living, providing a sensuous surface with its hand waxed finish. A steel structure enabled the roof to be constructed first, and all fit out work completed under its shelter. The exterior copper cladding is a response to the coastal location and the effect the salty and humid atmosphere has on surfaces. It has already developed a patina that will only improve with age. Internal walls of artist canvas speak of its hand made character, as do the many finer details such as leather clad front door handles, which entice one to experience the calm within.
The Pod
Woonona NSW, 2012
This project dubbed ‘The Pod’ by its owners, is a modern interpretation of the traditional timber framed fibro granny flat. It helps a family of four plus grandparents from overseas, who come to stay with the family over summer, meet their unique needs with a minimum of new building work. It is separate from, yet part of the house. It is a garden pavilion, linked by a covered deck. The creation of a glazed sun trap transforms the living experience in the whole house. It’s openings connect to the greater landscape and frame a beautiful view of the escarpment, allowing an experience of the ever changing mood of weather against the mountain. Together with the existing verandah the pod provides a range of living spaces for different seasons and different activities. The main design element is a series of charred hardwood portal frames. Those are used to give rhythm to ones movement along the space; closer together near the more private functions, further apart in the more social space, eroded at the connection with its garden surrounds.
