With sympathy to the relevant Wimmera Heritage Area of Belmont (HO1930) we wanted a renovation noting:
• We had a limited budget
• Maximise solar passive design and have an open plan living with connection between house and garden
• Reuse materials where possible and consider the embodied energy and sustainability of materials chosen.
• Don’t overdo things - keep within roofline
• It may not be perfect, but it will be really good.
The 1930s bungalow was character filled, but also cold, draught, hot in summer and showing signs of mould and rot. We removed the majority of the internal fitting and were able to rehome through donation or sale at nominal prices (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, appliances, hardwood trims etc). We removed old chimneys (salvaged bricks) and took the majority of the house back to the frame.
Studs were retained where able, and new timber (avoiding steel) was inserted to create an open plan living from the original l930s layout. All walls, subfloor and ceiling (glasswool) were insulated and hardwood floor (some reused) laid. House was re weatherboarded and high performing double glazed upv windows installed. and wall lining (plasterboard, durra panel and saveboard) were applied. Gap willing was done throughout and the house painted in low VOC paints.
All new fittings were electric and an emphasis put of energy efficient appliances (hot water heat pump, solar, induction cooktop, reverse cycle air con) and wiring for EV charger.
The rear deck was extended and decking laid with reclaimed turpentine hardwood and open pergola added. An old garage blocking connection between the front and back gardens was removed and old concrete driveway taken up.
Although we had a lot of difficulty with the builder and getting towards completion (not there yet), the house provides a great space for our family of 4 and we can see the improved thermal performance and reduced water use already
