Architecturally designed and energy-efficient, this renovation emphasized thermal mass durability and natural products to blend with and modernize the existing home. The project involved a comprehensive transformation with a double-story renovation and extension. Initially, the rear of the existing home was demolished, followed by a small site cut to accommodate the rear double-story extension. This extensive renovation converted the home from a dated three-bedroom, one-bath single living space into a modern four-bedroom plus study, two-bathroom plus powder room, dual living area. The new layout includes an outdoor area, full laundry, butler's pantry, and ample storage throughout.
A white ice concrete slab was installed as the foundation, combining screw piles for stability, speed, and durability. This concrete slab is designed to introduce thermal mass and durability for this growing family. The open-plan design aims to maximize natural light, allowing sunlight to heat the new concrete floor during the day and release that borrowed heat through the cooler hours of the night. Considerable care was taken during construction to protect the polished concrete slab.
The home is fitted with all-new timber hardwood double-glazed windows and a new weather-resistant barrier to protect the building envelope. The walls were battened to ensure better performance and higher-spec insulation throughout. The home is clad in James Hardie Linea cement sheet weatherboard (painted finish) and a natural finish Weathertex product, finished with hardwood architraves to match the windows. The decking is made of stringybark Australian hardwood.
The renovation included all-new insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, plaster, and paint inside and out. New cabinetry was installed throughout the home. A small split system is fitted upstairs in the master bedroom and downstairs in the main living room, with ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living rooms. The home features LED lighting throughout and a large solar system to power the house. Our aim was to ensure a seamless transition between the old and new parts of the home, and we definitely achieved that here.
During construction, the home was disconnected from gas to create an all-electric home. The mains power was upgraded to three-phase power, and the main switchboard was upgraded and moved. The hot water system is a Sanden heat pump, and the kitchen features induction cooking. The home also has a large water tank with a pump to flush the toilets.
