Description

A grand old Victorian lady gets some TLC, with a new extension catching sunlight, breezes and deep garden views.

Details

  • Size222m2
  • TypeResidential Alterations and Additions
  • ExistingFreestanding Double Fronted Victorian
  • BuilderHaynes Construction Group
  • StructuralPD Structures
  • JoineryHove Kitchens
  • PhotographyNick Doolan
  • MediaKitchen & Bathrooms Quarterly
A living room with raking timber lined ceilings and views to the garden

The Brief

The brief was to retain the original section of the house with an extension to contain new bathrooms and laundry and a contemporary living space at the rear opening onto the garden. The clients wanted a sunny warm home after freezing for so many years in the substandard 90’s additions.

A proposed outdoor living space needed privacy from a large extension next door.

Sustainability was a priority and was considered in each step of the project.

Clerestory louvre windows and ceiling fans for passive cooling

The Design

A butterfly roof with clerestory windows brings North sunlight and sky views into the open plan living. Underneath the sloping ceiling is lined with textured timber; its colour and shadows change across the day as the sun moves through the sky.

Thermal upgrades to the older section of the house increase comfort and reduce traffic noise. Deep eaves and cross ventilation keep the new extension cool and protected. Electric solar panels allow the owners to move away from fossil fuels.

A kitchen with highlight north facing windows and raked timber ceiling

The Result

This project was a real collaboration between architect, client and builder. The end result is a beautiful and liveable family home.

Kitchen with pressed metal splashbacks and timber benchtops
Open timber shelves add warmth

Client Feedback

From Fiona and Paul

We thoroughly enjoyed working with Kathy from Robinson Architecture as she brought our ideas to life and created the perfect home for us.

Kathy brought a practical and considered design approach to our renovation, combining the best of the old and new.

With Robinson Architecture managing the project we were able to thoroughly enjoy the process.

We are so proud of the beautiful home that Kathy has created for us. She really listened to what we wanted to achieve and the way we lived our life and interacted with the house and garden to create the perfect design. Each day we enjoy something new, the light, the reflections, the air and flow of the space.

The spaces that have been created for us perfectly reflect the way we live and interact with our home. We couldn’t be more delighted with the design process and the entire project management, working with Robinson Architecture always felt like a collaboration.

Sunlight through clerestory windows for passive heating

Sunlight all Day

North sun enters the South facing Living areas through the highlight windows.

dogs and architecture

Approval from the Most Important Resident

Luna the Staffy is very pleased with her new accommodation

Laundry Drying Rack

Laundry Drying Rack

A drop down drying rack in the Laundry- a small addition makes a huge difference to day to day living and reduces reliance on the clothes dryer.

Hoop pine plywood bathroom cabinets
Covered Deck and Outdoor Kitchen

Covered Deck

The covered deck with outdoor kitchen is strategically located to screen the first floor extension next door.

External Materials

Materials of painted sheet, hardwood battens, and aluminium clad timber windows are both low maintenance and economical.

The Existing House

Extensive service, maintenance and thermal upgrades were undertaken to the original front four rooms of the house.

As the house is located on a busy road, an unexpected and pleasant consequence of thermally insulating the floors, walls, ceiling and roof is that it is now very quiet inside.

  • residential

    An outdoor haven with a tranquil studio tucked underneath maximize space and opportunity at the back of this grand old Deco building.