Font­bunker

The lower level - with an exterior of insitu board-form concrete - is set slightly below ground level and contains the owners type foundry studio. This level is a retreat for work, with the window placement carefully considered to allow light without glare, and minimise direct sunlight onto the large collection of books contained within. Cabinetry hovers above the parquet floor, visually extending the compact space, and a large pivoting door opens to a small garden space between the Fontbunker and the existing house, with a custom bronze handle by artist Ben Pearce.

The upper level, clad in black anodised aluminium, and accessed by an external cantilevered concrete stair, contains guest accommodation. This level is lighter, and has expansive views out over the rooftop of the house and the wider suburb to the west. The guest space is wrapped in soft and warm materials - woollen carpet on the floors, and cedar boards lining walls and ceiling. Details, materials, and lighting throughout have been carefully considered (and expertly executed by the builders and joiners involved) to create an overall effect of calm and refuge.

Stone, brass and timber are used throughout, visually linking the two levels and creating a cohesive building, despite the different programme and feel of each level.