Havehus, Redfern
The Havehus, meaning “garden house” in Danish, is a thoughtful transformation of a semi-detached Victorian terrace in Redfern. The project combines a substantial renovation of the original dwelling with a contemporary rear addition. This new pavilion, formed in concrete and glass, contains an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area that flows seamlessly into and around a landscaped garden, softening the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
A defining feature is the integrated green roof, which extends the garden upward and creates the impression of a living landscape attached to the home. Internally, the design reconfigures the existing layout to support modern family life, including the insertion of a master suite within a previously underused and awkward roof space.
The result is a cohesive plan that balances heritage character with contemporary function.
Materially, the house uses a raw, tactile palette of timber, stone, concrete, and steel, set in contrast to the surrounding greenery. This interplay creates a clear juxtaposition between old and new, crafted and natural, resulting in a distinctive and highly livable family home.
