Light Fantastic for Creative Flights

The West Australian, New Homes, 28th February 2009

An artist's eyrie has been created in Wembley Downs. Eight years after moving into their newly constructed home, artist Glenys and Stewart Morrison decided it was time to expand - to make more room for her creative endeavours.

The initial plan was to build over the garage, but that's where Ian Ogborne of Dale Alcock Home Improvements came in.

The way to go, he said, was over the house proper, to create a second storey in effect.

A logical first step was to determine the placement of the stairwell. As it happened, a passageway leading from the front door to the body of the house led to a door which was replicated in the lounge room. It could be removed without affecting access within the house. The passage was blocked off and eventually became part of the staircase.

Mr Ogborne's design was premised on the importance of light to an artist. So it is no surprise that the studio has eight windows of varying sizes. A deep corner window of eight panels shares the north-west aspect with two wide windows, creating a panoramic view across the tree tops.

The south-facing wall is dominated by another window which looks across the stairwell. Three small elevated box windows finish off the light show on the eastern side.

The subdued colours of the Tasmanian oak floorboards of the stairs and the light tones of the studio floor compliment the white of walls and ceiling.

The generously proportioned room - 7 sqm x 5 sqm - has an alcove area with sink, bench and a space for a refrigerator.

Ms Morrison praised the efforts of Dale Alcock Home Improvements. "They were fantastic," she said. "The original estimate was 90 days; they had it done in 60. The tradesmen were very impressive. They turned up on time, were regular and all was completed within budget."

There is no doubt the studio's high vantage point makes the surrounding greenery of eucalypts and melaleucas a source of great inspiration.

This home was an entry in the HIA-ANZ Perth Housing Awards.