An extension on a constrained triangular site bound by existing house to the street and horse stable at the rear, Hendra House reflects on the local vernacular of barns and stables occupying its suburb. Its construction is familiar to the type – of celebrated structure, recycled materials, a tent-like room and rudimentary accessories.

The project concentrates its effort on the courtyard and its edges. Delicate structures frame the courtyard – a fine custom brass window and thin timber battened sliding doors in sharp contrast to the robust brick landscape.

The project is small. It relies on borrowed views outside its site – windows lengthen space by extending views to a poinciana tree on the street, a dense garden from the hallway, a neighbouring tree from the pop-up skylight. It shares spaces – the hallway behind which wet areas and service rooms are concealed runs a brick seat along its length, an occupiable edge to the courtyard.