The Challenge
Craft a new dwelling on a picturesque Greenfield site located in Crookwell, which is situated in the scenic upper Lachlan region of New South Wales. The client required a thoughtfully designed home that prioritises energy efficiency and is highly responsive to the local climate. The home needed to be conveniently shut down into smaller, manageable zones for everyday living and opened up seamlessly when extended family or guests come to visit.
The Solution
We wanted to thoughtfully challenge the pre-existing vernacular of the typical suburban Australian home commonly found on the quarter-acre block, while still ensuring that building remains economical and practical. Instead of opting for a wide home that lacks adequate facade articulation and features a double loaded corridor with poorly lit interiors and massive expanses of colorbond roofing, we adopted an innovative contemporary barn home typology.
The design of the home is thoughtfully broken into two separate wings, with a central entry foyer providing a welcoming transition space - this allows the client to comfortably live and sleep in one wing, effectively closing this area down as needed to only heat and cool what is essential, while having the option to open the second wing, which provides an additional bathroom and three bedrooms that can be utilised when family comes to visit.
The home will intelligently utilise reverse brick veneer construction practices to lock thermal mass inside the dwelling, effectively moderating the internal temperatures, while thermally broken double glazed windows will help further reduce heat gain and loss, optimizing energy efficiency.
To provide flexibility and adaptability for future uses, whether for intergenerational living arrangements or accommodating a larger family, the gabled forms can be extended as required to meet evolving needs.
Status: Concept Design
The Challenge
Our clients came to us with the usual challenge - to help them adapt their existing semi-detached dwelling, situated in an area that they absolutely loved living in, to meet the needs of their growing family. The clients were passionate about entertaining guests and also needed the ability to comfortably host extended family members, so the addition of more bedroom space and a dedicated area for the kids to retreat to was imperative. Furthermore, the renovation works also needed to carefully avoid entering the council DA process at all costs.
The Solution
Working within the parameters of the complying development approvals pathway, a new two-storey rear addition has been proposed alongside some strategic modifications to the existing structure to minimize costs. This addition features an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area on the ground level, seamlessly connecting to the east-facing rear garden. Central to the design is the kitchen, which offers visual connectivity to the living spaces, indoor and outdoor dining areas, as well as the pool and garden.
To enhance outdoor entertaining, a servery window has been integrated into the design. A utility spine along the southern side of the addition accommodates external storage and services, while also incorporating a new staircase that leads to a master suite on the first floor.
At the rear of the site, a new detached studio is proposed to serve multiple purposes. This versatile space will function as a home office, guest accommodation, and a bedroom for children as they grow. Additionally, it will provide convenient bathroom access for those enjoying the nearby plunge pool.
Status: Concept Design
The Challenge
Modernise and update a tired top-floor apartment located in Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach neighbourhood. The dwelling had long suffered from inadequate natural light and a dated planning layout that no longer served our clients effectively. Almost every element, including finishes, kitchen, bathroom, and electrical systems required complete replacement. Additionally, the existing windows needed to be replaced to improve energy efficiency and comfort, while insulation and new AC systems required installation to ensure a more sustainable and enjoyable living environment.
The Solution
Given the constraints of a limited budget and structural considerations, we recommended the removal of select existing walls to create a more open and integrated kitchen and living area. Windows were not only replaced but also adjusted in size—both enlarged and reduced—enhancing overall amenity. In the kitchen, we introduced a larger pass-through window connecting to the balcony, thereby improving the outdoor dining experience. The existing laundry room within the kitchen was eliminated, and a new laundry cupboard was strategically proposed adjacent to the bathroom. Additionally, in the bedrooms, poorly positioned doorways were realigned to accommodate larger built-in wardrobes and optimise bedroom furniture placement.
Status: Under Construction
Builder: Reed Developments
Structural: Detailed Consulting
Mechanical: RBJ Engineering
The challenge
Our clients came to us with clear instructions - provide an additional level to their Californian bungalow, with two bedrooms and ensuite, while retaining sunlight into the existing pool during a mid summer afternoon. The site is located in the unique garden suburb of Rosebery, with specific heritage overlays and height and roof form controls. The clients entertain around their pool frequently so also needed a pool cabana and ease of access to the internal living areas.
The solution
We used a 3D model of the site and existing dwelling to confirm the extent to which we could build without overshadowing the rear pool. This was coordinated with council roof pitch and height controls to find an optimum external form for the new rear addition.
The new upper story uses a gable/hip roof design to achieve these solar access requirements, while void spaces and skylights achieve amenity and ventilation.
The existing living areas adjacent to the pool were demolished and a new living, kitchen and dining area introduced.
At the rear the existing pool is retained and repaved. A new cabana structure with roof top garden gives access to a new ground floor bathroom and tandem garage.
Upstairs, a master suite and second bedroom are accommodated, with clever storage areas in the pitched roof space provided.
Status: Completed 2022
Builder: PacMac
Hydraulics: JHA
Structural: Pointmark
Landscape: Tanya Woods
Photography: Katherine Lu
Styling: Holly Irvine Studio
The Challenge
Part of an existing row of four, this modest terrace house was in much need of a substantial upgrade. Unsympathethic additions in the 1990s had disturbed much of the existing building fabric, was poorly built and provided little amenity or connection to the existing rear yard. A new family bath and laundry was required upstairs, while maintaining two bedrooms. An extremely tight site meant the entire construction had to be completed with access only through the front door.
The Solution
After exploring massing options with our heritage consultant, the existing rear lean-to and balcony was demolished, and a finely crafted new two storey addition built, accomodating a new kitchen and bedroom over. Floor space was increased as much as possible within council controls.
To minimise bulk and scale the floor levels at the rear are set down, enhancing the connection to the new rear garden and extending the useable living space. This area becomes a kitchen and outdoor entertaining area with floating benchtop joinery that carries through into the sitting room as a media unit.
A finely crafted new steel staircase becomes the centre point of the home, suspended lightly from the upper floor, it provides much improved access to the new bathroom and bedrooms above. Skylights are used extensively to bring light and ventilation to this upper storey.
Externally all period features of the home were restored, and a new gas fireplace installed, utilising existing chimneys.
Status: Completed 2022
Builder: Frontier Projects
Structural: Pointmark
Hydraulics: JHA
Photography: Katherine Lu
Styling: Holly Irvine Studio
The challenge
Update an existing dwelling to meet the needs of a family, especially growing kids that need more bedroom space as they enter secondary schooling, and provide a functional parents retreat with more storage. Provide a dedicated kids entertaining space seperate from the main living areas.
The solution
At ground level we converted an existing bedroom into a kids retreat, complete with new window seat and garden bed for extra seating and storage. Above this we provided a second storey addition containing a new bedroom and ensuite, and refreshed the existing bedrooms and bathrooms with new finishes and fixtures. The existing master suite was replanned to provide a walk in robe and larger ensuite. We worked closely with Alwill Interiors, who had previously completed ground floor alterations to the dwelling. We designed, managed the approvals and documented all the architectural elements of this project, including the overall planning, layout and a new stair. We completed all interior documentation after lighting, fittings, fixtures and finishes were selected by Alwill Interiors.
Status: Completed
Builder: Robert Plumb Fix
Interior Design: Alwill Interiors
Photography: Prue Ruscoe
Landscape: Nelson Thomas
The Challenge
Update and refresh a tired interwar apartment in Sydney’s Harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay. Remove an existing kitchen, which didn’t meet the needs of a modern home, and provide an internal washer/dryer.
The Solution
We assisted in the selection and documentation of new finishes, fixtures, lighting an electrical to the apartment. The kitchen design was informed by the buildings Art Deco heritage, and the palette provide a sense of light and spaciousness in the apartment. As the owner lived interstate, communication and project management were paramount on this project to ensure an outcome that met our clients expectations and was delivered on time and to the brief.
The challenge
Provide a refresh to an existing, largely untouched interior to an apartment in the ‘Savoy’, designed by Claud Hamilton and completed in 1919. The existing apartment had limited storage, an ageing bathroom and kitchen and no internal laundry.
The solution
The works included a new kitchen, bathroom and robe joinery, which were designed to sympathetically insert into the existing building fabric without detrimentally affecting the existing detailing or finishes. Original glazed tiles were retained in the kitchen as a nod to the buildings heritage, contrasting with the modern joinery insertions.
The bathroom was re-imagined as a single bathing wet-room, with no shower screen to impede on the space. A bespoke shaving cabinet provides much needed storage and ambient-lighting to the room.
Status: Completed 2019
Builder: Reed Developments
Photography: Katherine Lu
The challenge
Provide additional space for a young inner city couple, modernise the existing home and provide greater connection with the south facing rear yard.
The solution
We worked closely with our planning consultant to gain approvals for a new rear upper storey, which provided an additional two bedrooms and family bathroom. A stair with skylight over brings much needed light into the centre of the home, where a new open plan kitchen/dining area steps down to form a sunken lounge and new outdoor patio area.
To further address the site’s poor solar access and privacy concerns, a brick screen at the rear of the dwelling both screens neighbours while reflecting light into the new living space at the rear.
The buildings material palette is light and fresh, to sit harmoniously within the heritage context, reflect light into the interiors and to reduce heat gain in summer.
Status: Under construction
Planning: ASquare
Hydraulics: JHA
Structural: Detailed
Builder: Frontier Projects
The challenge
A collaborative project with Alwill Architecture, our clients required extensive works to their existing semi-detached dwelling to correct some unsympathetic additions completed in the 90’s. The existing upper floor provided two bedrooms, however ceilings heights and amenity were poor, made worse by convoluted circulation spaces and a poorly located stair. Bathrooms were too small for family use, and ceiling heights too low.
The solution
We proposed the removal of the majority of the existing rear addition and the construction of a new two storey addition. A centralised stair provides efficient access to two new bedrooms on the upper storey, each with ensuite bathroom.
At ground level an existing bathroom is retained and enlarged, while a new kitchen, living and dining area opens onto the existing rear garden. Stair voids and skylights bring much needed light and ventilation into the ground floor of the dwelling.
New north facing windows at the upper level are treated with sliding timber screens to soften this facade and provide privacy, while a Juliet balcony to the master bedroom capitalises on the leafy outlook to a public park at the rear.
The Challenge
Re-imagine a derelict, single storey terrace row dwelling and provide accomodation for a growing young family. Provide greater connection to a rear garden, with rear lane access to a new rear car space.
The Solution
Extensive refurbishment was required to the existing period dwelling, which was largely left intact to respect the existing built form and comply with the heritage overlay conditions. This section of the dwelling houses an existing bedroom, new family bathroom and study/work from home space.
A gently sloping site towards the rear allowed the planning to evolve around a rear mass with a series of stepped platforms, kitchen/dining, indoor/outdoor living and rear garden. An internal courtyard and generous ceiling heights achieves amenity through natural light and cross ventilation. A sunken lounge with built in joinery and upholstery provides an efficient use of space.
Upstairs, two new bedrooms with shared family bathroom are provided, with louvres providing privacy and sun control.
The challenge
Part of an existing row of three existing townhouses, this dwelling needed an external refresh to give a new sense of identity and address privacy and amenity issues. Internal modifications were required to provide for the changing needs of the owners, including work from home arrangements.
The Solution
We addressed the exterior of the dwelling holistically - introducing larger windows where required to give greater light and ventilation, and introducing shading and privacy screening to provide further articulation and detail, and set the dwelling apart from its neighbours.
At rear, an existing under-utilised pool and garden area is refurbished and an existing garage roof planted to provide greater amenity and softened outlook.
Internally, we flipping an existing staircase, and opened voids in the floor above to provided a greater sense of arrival. Planning on all floors was reviewed - with an additional ensuite inserted at ground level, a new open plan kitchen/living/dining space at lower ground, and a new master suite to the upper floor.
The challenge
Our client came to us after completing some internal refurbishment to their existing terrace home in Surry Hills. Stage 2 of their plan included an additional attic study to accomodate work from home arrangements, as well as a modernised kitchen, laundry and rear garden, which all required council approval.
The Solution
Providing the attic room with stair access proved difficult without impacting on the existing internal room planning, however after careful consultation with BCA consultants and certifier we found a solution that worked. We included a new street front and rear dormer window providing all important natural light and ventilation to the new upper storey.
At ground level, we investigated minor excavation to the proposed new kitchen to improve ceiling levels, pushed to the boundaries of the site for greater space and included a new skylight to bring daylight deep into the existing home. A clever wall of joinery hides laundry and bathroom, while externally air-conditioning units and storage is provided in a timber batten enclosure.
Flush door sills and floor finishes that flow through the kitchen to the rear garden provide for a north facing entertaining area that flows seamlessly, with doors that retract fully into the wall to disappear out of view.
Status: Approved, in documentation.
The challenge
Provide additional room for a growing young family, and a self contained studio accommodation for guests and relatives that visit.
The solution
After careful consultation with neighbours and council, a new level was proposed over the existing two storey residence, which seamlessly integrates into a modified roof form. This reduced bulk, scale and unwanted amenity impacts on neighbouring residents. A new material palette, reflective of the site’s beachside location, were chosen to modernise and refresh the homes exterior. At the rear of the property a new self contained studio is proposed over the existing garage.
Status: DA Approved
The challenge
Provide a refresh to this semi-detached residence to accomodate the needs of a growing young family. The existing site subdivision resulted in a very narrow lot, which limited natural light and ventilation and also created privacy issues. A new master bedroom and ensuite was required in addition to the existing 2 bedrooms.
The solution
The existing rear lean-to was remove and a new two storey rear addition forms a split level addition. This reduced the bulk and scale from the street while respecting the existing building form. The new addition is articulated as a black stained timber box, which reinforces the contemporary nature of the addition. The second storey houses a new master bedroom quite with extensive robe storage and a new ensuite. At ground level a new open plan living, kitchen and dining space opens onto a level rear garden, perfect for kids to play while being closely monitored by Mum.
