It begins by bringing clients into the process itself, allowing ideas to evolve together rather than presenting a singular solution.
“Taking clients on the journey means they understand more about the solution we arrive at,” Klaus says. “It strengthens their connection to their own home and gives them a sense of ownership throughout the process.”
Nicholas sees it as equally important to understand the site itself - the landscape, the neighbourhood and the life that already exists there.
“We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients, their families and the site,” he says. “In the end, we want to create something that feels personal to the family, but also like it truly belongs where it stands.”
One project in particular embodies that approach.
‘Longview’ was once dilapidated Victorian terrace layered with additions from different eras, suffered from poor planning, limited natural light and persistent water issues. Yet beneath those challenges lay enormous potential. Positioned on an elevated corner site, it offered glimpses towards Parramatta River and a relationship to its setting that had never been fully realised.
“What was striking about the site was its corner location,” says Klaus. “The street wrapped around it and fell away to the north-east. There were these beautiful vignettes to the harbour, but they were all somehow compromised. There was an opportunity to rethink the house entirely.”
Rather than simply extending the home, the studio reworked its internal organisation. One key move became transformative: relocating the staircase to the centre of the plan.
“The original staircase was removed and reoriented into the middle of the home,” Klaus explains. “That allowed us to bring northern and eastern light deep into the centre of the plan. Previously, the kitchen was hidden away in a dark corner. Suddenly, it became connected to light, landscape and views.”
