“We drew inspiration from the Jungian concept of the shadow-self”, says Craig, explaining how the ideology “represents unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be socially unacceptable or misaligned with one’s self-image”. 

 For this pristine white cottage, a dark, contemporary mass that towers over the site was its ‘shadow-self’. “Incorporating several locally-sourced materials and bespoke design elements, [the addition] enhances the [existing house’s] depth and complexity”, explains Craig.  Through this, the addition brings to some life some wonderfully hidden aspects of the already established residence.

Housing the kitchen, living room, dining area, and a studio bedroom with private courtyard, the addition is the public heart of the home, previously missing from the original cottage.  While remaining single storey in height, the charred jarrah-clad shadow form reaches for the sky.  It’s raked roofline captures the morning sun and draws in light through tall, high windows.  Various jacaranda trees outside are framed, forming part of the interior landscape.

A delightfully warm jarrah timber clads not only the joinery, but several walls, resulting in a deep red space worthy of retreating into.  Paired with raw materials and carefully curated lighting, there’s almost something shadow-like about the interiors of the existing cottage. It was through this “contrasting across old and new  that we created a multitude of atmospheric spaces,” says Craig.  Shadow House is a peculiar project.  It’s a home that heroes the shadow, bringing the dark into the limelight.