Combining two existing houses into one coherent home is always a challenge. It requires architectural vision, experience and impeccable building materials. An architectural team succeeded in transforming one such home in Redfern, NSW into a stylish urban residence, thanks in part to Big River Group’s renowned Armourpanel® decorative plywood. FA Mitchell now proudly offers Armourpanel® as part of our premium range, reflecting our commitment to supporting cutting-edge design.
The Project Brief
A couple in Redfern, NSW had two adjacent terrace houses they wanted to merge into one modern residence. As they were raising a family of five, they needed their renovated home to be water- and energy-efficient. It had to adapt to seasonal changes and maximise natural light. They hoped this home would be durable enough to suit their evolving needs over the next two decades.
Moreover, they wanted to use sustainable building materials that could provide the strength and beauty they sought, while having eco-conscious origins.
They turned to Marra + Yeh Architects for help in coming up with an innovative design. Thus, the “Sky House” was born.
A Vision of Style and Adaptability
What Marra +Yeh dubbed the “Sky House” was a design for a sustainable, adaptable urban residence designed for long-term living. This ambitious project would transform the adjoining terraces into one climate-responsive, versatile family home. The new home would optimise using natural sunlight and passive warming or cooling throughout the year.
To achieve this, the architects sought to incorporate innovative materials with proven durability, strength, and eco-conscious origins. That included Big River Group’s renowned Armourpanel® decorative plywood.
A Superior Decorative Plywood for A Bold Design
Manufactured from Australian eucalypt hardwood veneers, Armourpanel® is an interior plywood prized for its strength, resilience, and ability to withstand changing temperatures. It is the strongest decorative plywood in the market today. Its refined appearance makes it ideal for high-traffic spaces like walls, ceilings, and custom joinery.
For a dynamic environment like the growing family’s Redfern home, Armourpanel® was the perfect plywood to use. It became integral to the Sky House project, offering the durability and versatility needed for its bold design.
The architects incorporated Armourpanel® in key areas of the home, including wall panelling, ceilings and custom joinery. Its adaptability allowed for seamless integration into existing structures, ensuring precision and harmony in the overall design.
Remarkable Results
The resulting house is a testament to the potential of sustainable materials like Armourpanel® decorative plywood in transforming urban spaces. It is a functional yet beautifully crafted home that reflects the owners’ vision and values of sustainability and natural beauty. It has set a new benchmark for contemporary urban living.
Build Your Vision of Sustainable Living with FA Mitchell Plywood
FA Mitchell is part of the Big River Group and we are proud to supply premium-grade plywood products like Armourpanel® and Armourfloor® to our clients. Sustainably sourced and audited to meet Australian standards, Armourpanel® and Armourfloor® combine aesthetic appeal with unmatched performance.
If you are an architect, developer or designer seeking premium plywood solutions for your projects, we can provide them. Sourced exclusively from Australian plantation forests and audited by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), our plywood meets the highest standards. Contact us today to explore how we can help bring your vision to life with our extensive range of plywood products!
