Re-grow House is a renovation and extension grounded in the idea of growth—of family, place, and landscape. Rather than replacing the existing dwelling, the project prioritises adaptation, allowing the home to evolve while reducing demolition, waste, and embodied carbon.
The original cottage is largely retained, with a modest rear and first-floor addition providing space for a growing family. This approach preserves the home’s character while improving functionality and environmental performance. A defining move is the integration of a significant Sydney sandstone boulder and existing rock ledges. The house steps up to accommodate these elements, improving solar access to living areas and enabling a strong connection to the garden.
Passive design underpins the home’s performance. Dual orientation enables cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, while carefully positioned openings manage sunlight—welcoming winter sun and limiting summer heat. A concrete slab provides thermal mass, stabilising indoor temperatures and enhancing comfort year-round.
The landscape is re-wilded with native Australian planting, creating habitat for local flora and fauna while reducing water use and maintenance. This softens the built form and embeds the house within its environment. Internally, spaces are arranged to maximise light, airflow, and garden outlook, with interstitial zones strengthening the relationship between inside and out.
Material choices prioritise durability and reuse, including recycled and natural materials that age gracefully over time. The extension remains deliberately modest, ensuring efficiency in both construction and ongoing energy use.
In everyday life, Re-grow House offers a comfortable, light-filled environment shaped by natural systems—air, sun, and landscape—demonstrating how careful adaptation can create a resilient and sustainable home.
