Aru House is located in Maryville, an older suburb of Newcastle characterized by weatherboard cottages of varying stature and disrepair. The prevalence of this housing model in the area has provided Curious Practice, led by Warren Haasnoot and Greg Lee, an opportunity to evolve and refine their approach to this typology over a number of projects. As Warren’s own home (and that of his partner Kate and their children), this cottage presented a fitting opportunity to distil some of this accumulated wisdom.
Although these buildings were typically low-cost workers’ residences, presentation to the street was well considered, prioritizing covered entry porches and decorative details. In contrast
