Wooden pergola provides solar protection for abundant glazed house extensions in Australia

A new building in Australia with a practical sun protection system: this is how the Screen House in Camberwell can be described. The talented architects at Warc Studio Architects were tasked with the task of maximizing the living space of an existing period building. What started as a simple extension project then became a complete modernization of the house including new sun protection. The architects have therefore built an innovative system consisting of a wooden pergola and wooden blinds with electrical operation. The wooden panels surround the house and can shield individual areas or entire walls if necessary. We will take you on a virtual tour and explain the concept in detail.

Wooden pergola: privacy and sun protection for the city villa

Located in a densely populated neighborhood in Camberwell, Australia, the old building was in desperate need of modernization. Not only did the building need to be renovated, the available living space was simply no longer sufficient for the large family. The architects suggested an extension as a functional spatial solution. The new building volume houses a spacious living area with kitchen and dining area. On the one hand, the communication center creates a connection to the old building, where the bedrooms are now located, and on the other hand, it creates a seamless transition between inside and outside.Its glazed frontsand skylights allow enough light into the room even in bad weather.

The living area consists of a kitchen with an adjacent dining area in a puristic style. To ensure that the contemporary kitchen cabinets in white and the kitchen island with its simple design language do not appear too cool, individual elements were made from local wood. Instead of installing a glass kitchen splashback, the architects opted for tiles. The dining table with metal legs together with the vintage chairs add exciting accents to the room.

A modern cabinet system offers enough storage space for kitchen accessories, garden chair cushions, children's toys and much more. Floor-to-ceiling high sliding glass doors open the living area to the adjoining terrace and provide a distant view of the pool.

In the living area, the kitchen and dining area merge into a comfortable lounge corner with a corner sofa, fireplace and a windowsill. This means the family can sit in front of the fireplace on rainy days and relax on the gray sofa. A tone-on-tone carpet and a black coffee table complete the lounge program.

Right next to the fireplace there is enough free space for a TV cabinet, an armchair with a leather stool and a comfortable bench with storage space by the window. It is ideal for a cozy reading corner, but also offers enough space for children's toys. The view of the garden, where native deciduous trees and perennials are planted, relaxes the senses.

The materials used in the living room were selected in harmony with the facade design. Wood, leather and cotton form an attractive ensemble in a purist style. The neutral color palette makes the room appear larger and creates a cozy atmosphere.

In addition to the classic gray, which is presented in several shades - from dove gray to anthracite, the non-colors black and white can also be found in the room. The trendy camel color and muted yellow nuances add splashes of color and set subtle accents.

Wooden pergola fits harmoniously into the facade design

The facade of the building volume is clad with electrically controlled wooden panels. On warm summer days, they protect the living area from the strong rays of the sun. On cool days they can be pushed aside and let plenty of light into the room. In the evening they shield the family's private area from prying eyes. The wooden pergola casts cooling shade over the outdoor dining area - so nothing stands in the way of pleasant afternoons with friends.

A project byWARC Studio