After 10 years of exploring old residences Swan Street may be viewed as the ‘Swan Song’ of alterations and additions. It explores ideas of ‘time’ and ‘context’ through the appropriate use of material and form derived from historical studies dating back to the early arts and crafts houses combined with a careful consideration for how the building may weather and change as a continuing dynamic experience. ‘Time’ is considered as past, present and an anticipation of future. ‘Time’ is abstracted through the use of green film and polycarbonate, or actively encouraged by the contrasting weathering of timber, or anticipated (slow time) by the oxidising of copper trims. Ultimately the aim of this emphasis on ‘time’ is to re-focus the experience of living in this dwelling away from the contamination and distractions of the ever-increasing electronic world (computers, home theatres…) and to encourage the re-discovery of a few simple every day pleasures.

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