A new addition to an already architecturally stunning home is the River Room, creating a new living space on the edge of the Brisbane River at Bulimba.
Designed by Shane Thompson Architects, this new take on a sun room is a welcome extension of the current home. Whilst the site is advantaged by its river edge location, it is disadvantaged by a western aspect which suffers extreme exposure to the western sun in summer including reflected glare from the river.
The new pavilion, primarily used for quieter sitting, informal entertaining and occasional work is accessed from the existing family room, down three steps, past a lush sub-tropical courtyard and a small study area. This link is slightly angled to expand the view on approach, to the full width of a riverfront glazed wall. The warm polished timber floors and floor to ceiling windows with black aluminium frames on three of four walls give this room the grand and inviting feeling it exudes.
The inclusion of glass walls brings the outside in, allowing guests to pass through the well-maintained tropical garden and onto the river’s edge, giving the feeling of resort-style luxury. The final white wall boasts a new fireplace, thus enhancing the experience in this room during the cooler months. Sun shading is provided by a combination of a deep roof overhang and taking advantage of the shade from the large trees of a maturing garden. A small timber bench is built against one of the outward facing windows, allowing a quiet place to work or retreat.
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