Small Project Architecture – New Town Road House


Originally built in 1962 as a boot maker’s shop, the building is now an exemplar of how much space and comfort can be achieved within the constraints of a tiny site. Designed and built by Chris Clinton as his own home, the new additions are wrapped around the original 22 square metres of shop and sit on a pocket handkerchief 76 square metres of land. The three new levels of overlapping spaces are arranged into a unique example of adaptive reuse, which proudly contributes to the streetscape. The floor space has been expanded from 22 to 100 square metres, retaining as much of the existing building as possible. The constraints of size and access have led to a variety of space-saving innovations including movable components to allow for adaptable spaces. A fascination with raw materials – both new and recycled – is evident throughout. Carefully framed views, curious and interactive details and low energy consumption all result in a model for small-space, inner-urban living.

Architect
Core Collective

Consultants
Structural consultant – Joe Mamic & Associates
Photographer – Peter Whyte
Photographer – Chris Clinton
Building surveyor – Hobart Building Surveying

Contractors
Builder – Chris Clinton