The house started in 1958 as an owner-built split-level double brick home in the modernist style. Six decades later it was not meeting the needs of the new owner.
The middle level was demolished to allow subdivision of the block, with the two-storey bedroom section retained. A new living room and kitchen were added at the back to take advantage of the views of red gums in the adjacent creek reserve.
The addition was tilted at a slight angle to the existing building, opening up exciting perspectives and a hallway that includes a study, split staircase and generous cloakroom. Connection to the land was central to the design, with high windows showcasing the large trees and views of parrots and koalas.
This connection continued to landscaping, where river rocks dug up from the foundations were used to define the garden beds, and rock gabions provided habitat for geckos. Material recovered from the old house was playfully used in the new.
A silky oak cut down from the block was milled on site and used for shelving. Western red cedar panelling was reused as a feature wall. And Danish wall lights were repurposed as bedside lamps.
The owner enjoys woodwork, so had a workshop built in a triangular shape. The laundry is half underground, enjoying the cooling effect of the earth in summer and the warming effect in winter.
The house was designed by the owner with advice from the architect, with the final design being the result of many iterations. However, no changes were made when handed over to the builder, to keep costs contained.
