Pre-War Home Reinvented: Concrete & Contrast in Ascot by George Kouparitsas
George Kouparitsas Architects has reimagined the Dohori House, a five-bedroom pre-war home in Ascot, Australia, merging its historic facade with a bold concrete frame extension. The project preserves the original streetscape while introducing contemporary living spaces through a contrast of materials and forms.
Key features of the renovation include:-
– A double-storey concrete extension at the rear, providing structural support and modern aesthetics.
– Retention of the original pre-war facade, maintaining neighborhood character.
– Strategic use of mass and void to harmonize old and new architecture.
Challenges & Innovations in Design:-
Working within a narrow site and heritage regulations, the architects ensured:
– Optimal natural light and ventilation through careful spatial planning.
– Adaptive reuse of a former horse stable as a home gym.
– A new carport design that complements the home’s material palette.
Sustainable Design: Eco-Conscious Innovation:-
The project incorporates cutting-edge sustainable design principles, featuring low-carbon concrete in the new extension and advanced thermal insulation throughout. Solar panels integrated into the roofing system provide renewable energy, while a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system supplies garden irrigation. These environmentally conscious decisions create an eco-friendly home that reduces energy consumption by approximately 40% compared to conventional renovations. The architects carefully selected locally sourced materials to minimize transportation emissions, and the preserved existing structure significantly reduced construction waste. This sustainable approach demonstrates how heritage homes can achieve modern environmental standards without compromising aesthetic integrity.
Architectural Philosophy: Indoor-Outdoor Dialogue:-
The design establishes a profound connection between interior and exterior spaces through floor-to-ceiling glazing in main living areas that frame panoramic garden views. Material selections create visual continuity – interior flooring and wall finishes echo the textures and tones of outdoor surfaces. Even furnishings were curated to complement the concrete’s raw elegance, with neutral palettes blending seamlessly with natural timber elements. This thoughtful integration creates a holistic living experience where boundaries between inside and outside dissolve. Large sliding glass doors transform the ground floor into an open-air pavilion during temperate months, while strategically placed windows facilitate natural cross-ventilation year-round.
Living Experience: Timeless Comfort:-
The completed Dohori House offers an exceptional living experience that blends modern convenience with historic charm. Sun-drenched living spaces transition effortlessly to outdoor entertainment areas, while the primary suite’s careful orientation provides morning light and evening privacy. The outdoor kitchen and pool area create a resort-like atmosphere, complemented by lush landscaping that enhances the home’s connection to nature. Practical spaces like the home office and gym maintain the design’s aesthetic coherence while supporting daily routines. Every detail – from custom cabinetry to concealed storage solutions – reflects meticulous attention to livable luxury. The home’s intelligent spatial planning ensures each family member enjoys privacy when desired and connection when preferred, making it both a stunning architectural statement and a supremely functional family residence.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Heritage Architecture:-
The Dohori House renovation exemplifies how George Kouparitsas Architects bridges past and present through innovative material use, sustainable practices, and respect for historical context. By combining raw concrete elements with preserved heritage features, the project sets a benchmark for contextual modern design in Australia’s architectural landscape.
