The brief for this project was for a significant overhaul of a tired, but prominent single level Edwardian house, which had to include substantial new extensions sympathetic to the sensitive Heritage Streetscape. 

Contained within the existing and new roof structures are substantial new floor areas. The size and expanse of the combined internal floor areas isn't immediately evident from the outside, as the original single level proportions are retained with clever planning and design. 

When purchased, the Owners were fully aware that the small, semi-detached brick dwelling was never going to be able to accommodate their young and growing family.

The brief for our studio was to transform the tired 2x bedroom double brick house into a bright and airy 4x bedroom entertainer's home with clear zoning between private and public. New living spaces had to be bright and adopt passive heating and cooling principles. Adding to what was already a very challenging brief, were the clients' very specific instruction that it had to be achieved across a single story floorplate and private open spaces had to exceed the minimum authority requirements - all this had to be achieved on a narrow 390sq.m block.....with a south-facing rear!

This bespoke renovation was an expression of the Client's love and fascination of playful spaces and bold use of materials. He particular loved sourcing timber and a key requirement was to use sheets of Black Heart Sassafras veneer he had purchased from Tasmania.

2016 CITY OF BAYSIDE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AWARDS - CATEGORY WINNER

One of four Original Worker's Cottages, this project presented numerous design challenges.

On a tiny and narrow block of 190 sq.m and with stringent Heritage guidelines applying to the site, the Client's brief to provide a private and modern extension with plenty of natural light was complicated by the fact their northerly aspect interfaced directly with the street. 

The use of modern clerestory windows and a striking brick facade captures the nuances of dappled light coming through the street tree whilst sheltering the owners from the public eye.

The new entrance provides separation between the new and the old fabric whilst eliminating wasted corridor space internally

The floorplan wraps around an internal courtyard which allows light to penetrate right into the heart of the house, and further adds to the sense of the home being a private sanctuary. 

STAGE 1 Internal Renovations completed.

STAGE 2 Renovations and Additions coming soon....

Being keen entertainers, the renovation brief from the Owners of this quaint weatherboard cottage was for a modern and dramatic new extension that catered for the rigors of their frequent dinner parties.

Their love of natural light and outdoor living meant exploring the boundaries of what it is to be inside versus outside.