In 2014 we completed a modest renovation for this client, which for Altereco was an award winning project. Our clients soon added two boys to their family and were busting at the seams in this house that effectively had no backyard, until an opportunity to bid on a double fronted Victorian in the same street, which contained a far more generous allotment size, with ample space for a backyard and a garage.
The outcome is a home that incorporates generous new two storey additions, detached from the period home and quite discreet from the streetscape. The original portion of the home was restored to house the master suite, plus a guest room and the tv lounge. Transitioning into the additions, the stairs and bathroom/powder are contained within two timber pods, creating an inviting aperture to the main living zone. The kitchen is designed to be the hub of this space, with a simple, concealed walk-in pantry and the built-ins seamlessly integrated into the pods. The dining and lounge spaces open onto the terrace and back yard through generous openings.
Upstairs is dedicated as the kids wing; containing two bedrooms, a bathroom and their social space. The vertical screen provides privacy by eliminating overlooking concerns, whilst creating a striking appearance from the back of the property.
What were the key challenges?
Creating the curved walls was challenging to build.
We wanted a wood heating downstairs but due to the raked ceiling above the regulations would have meant we would need a chimney extending about 4 metres above the roofline so we went with a gas log fire instead.
What was the brief?
- restore the original building
- a house for the family to grow
- separated kids zone upstairs
- hydronic heating
- a garage and additional external storage
What are the key features of this property?
A cleanly restored front facade and garden ensures the street appeal is nothing out of the ordinary. The wow factor is saved for the transition to the new additions. Considering the original house has 12’ ceilings it was important to maintain high (3m) ceilings in the new additions.
How did you achieve this?
Contrasting materials, distinction in form with the curved timber walls, leading to a bright and generous living zone.
What were the key challenges?
Creating the curved walls was challenging to build.
We wanted a wood heating downstairs but due to the raked ceiling above the regulations would have meant we would need a chimney extending about 4 metres above the roofline so we went with a gas log fire instead.
What are the core features of the home?
The terrazzo benchtop, the round edge timber panel pods and the large windows connecting to open and green spaces, are the key features of the home.
How has the design utilised the space?
4 bed, 3 bath + powder room, 3 living spaces.
Raked ceiling upstairs so that we can have 3 m ceilings downstairs
One of the original rooms was converted to the ensuite and WIR for the master bed
Kids zone upstairs with 2 bed, bath and a living room
The stairwell is a pod finished in acoustic panelling upstairs which is extremely successful in keeping the upstairs and downstairs noise separate
There is a skylight at the top of the stairs which can be opened remotely and acts as a chimney to release the hot air rising from downstairs
We have underfloor hydronic heating in the concrete floor of the new section downstairs
Who are the clients and what's interesting about them?
We firstly were engaged by our clients back in 2014 which resulted in our award winning Stompbox project! Henry II is the younger sibling to our Stompbox project; same clients, same street, same builder, same magic!
Team:
Building Designer: Altereco Design
Interior Designer: Melanie Hustlter
Other Participans: James Goodlet
Photographer: Jade Cantwell
Materials Used:
Exterior
Existing section - weatherboard block front painted Dulux Terrace White & Dulux Lexicon
New section - Sycon Axon Cladding painted Dulux Black & recycled brick painted Dulux Lexicon
Fences painted Dulux Black
Roof
Existing section - Colorbond galvanised
New section - Colourbond Matt black
Windows
Existing section - timber painted Dulux Lexicon
New section - Aluminium black
Throughout
Dulux Natural White
Sculptform Blackbutt timber click on battens
Floor
Existing house - Engineered Timber Floorboards
New house downstairs - Polished concrete - burnished
Upstairs - Carpet
Kitchen
Dzek Dzek - Marmoreal White Terrazzo
Slice Veneers Plantation Ash
Earp Brothers Devon Super White Matt Tiles
Coco Flip Cooper Pendant - Brass
Sussex Mixer - Black
Neff Appliances - induction cooktop with integrated exhaust
Fisher & Paykel fridge
Pantry (& laundry) plywood with Laminex Sage top
Bathrooms and Ensuite
Porcelain Floor Tile - Cerdomus Tile Studio
White 100x100 Ceramic Wall Tile - National Tiles
Loughlin Furniture Kellie Vanity and Elanora Mirror Cabinet (Quartz Alpine White and American Oak)
Concrete Nation Basin - Nude
Concrete Nation Free Standing Bath - Snow White
Powder
Ceramic Wall Tile - National Tiles
Custom timber bench
Mirror - arch with matt black frame
Master & Bed 2 Robes
Plywood
