![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Exterior Photography](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/967b/63c0/1779/0100/008f/newsletter/_12_TF.jpg?1603311128)
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Architects: Benn + Penna Architecture
- Area: 170 m²
- Year: 2020
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Photographs:Tom Ferguson, Katherine Lu
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Manufacturers: Vectorworks, Brodware, Monier, Mosa, NavUrban
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Lead Architects: Benn + Penna Architecture
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Exterior Photography](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/8e6c/63c0/1756/a700/007c/newsletter/_01_TF.jpg?1603309060)
Text description provided by the architects. Dulwich Hill Vaults is alterations and additions to an existing freestanding cottage in Sydney’s inner west. The project retains the existing house and introduces new living spaces in a structure to the rear directly connected to the garden.
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Exterior Photography](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/8b06/63c0/1756/a700/0069/newsletter/_10_KL.jpg?1603308227)
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Image 13 of 15](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/88bf/63c0/1756/a700/005d/newsletter/Ground_Floor_Plan.jpg?1603307686)
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Exterior Photography, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/9235/63c0/1756/a700/008f/newsletter/_06_TF.jpg?1603309999)
The new additions are an augmented duplicate of the existing cottage and seem to hover above the concrete walls on delicate pilotis. The existing and new roofs are connected by an akin natural terracotta colour and hipped roof geometry.
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Interior Photography](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/8eda/63c0/1756/a700/007e/medium_jpg/_03_TF.jpg?1603309174)
Within the new additions is three distinct spaces, defined by the truncated ceiling vaults above them – one is the living space, one containing kitchen and dining spaces, and the last is the study pocket. The purpose of the vaults is to demarcate the spaces without the need for physical walls.
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Interior Photography, Table, Lighting, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/89f1/63c0/1756/a700/0063/newsletter/_02_KL.jpg?1603307924)
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Image 14 of 15](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/886d/63c0/1756/a700/005c/newsletter/Section_1.jpg?1603307603)
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Interior Photography, Table, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/943f/63c0/1779/0100/0081/medium_jpg/_08_TF.jpg?1603310549)
The main entry is from the existing cottage, where you can see right through the house down a generous hallway. Either side of this hallway are the private spaces of the house – bedrooms, bathrooms, and rumpus – clearly enclosed and tucked away from the rest of the home.
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/94ef/63c0/1779/0100/0085/newsletter/_09_TF.jpg?1603310721)
At the rear of the house, a concrete terrace extends from the living room, a platform for leisure activity. An inbuilt bbq and seat grow from its perimeter and creates a frame for a lush garden to grow behind over time.
![Dulwich Hill Vaults House / Benn + Penna Architecture - Exterior Photography, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5f90/938a/63c0/1779/0100/007f/medium_jpg/_07_TF.jpg?1603310325)