Back to Front House 2025

Back to Front House

“Renovate, don’t detonate” was the guiding motto for this project, where the clients sought to transform their old 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 115 sqm brick veneer house into a space they could live in comfortably for at least another 25 years.

The home has been thoughtfully extended to 205 sqm, now featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, but with no increase in energy consumption compared to the original house—thanks to the sustainable design elements. All windows are double-glazed, and both the existing and new sections have been fully insulated, ensuring optimal temperature regulation year-round. A new heat pump system provides efficient ducted heating and cooling, keeping the house comfortable without relying on gas, further reducing its carbon footprint.

Designed to grow with the family, the home accommodates their teenage children as they transition into adulthood, and offers ample space for hosting friends and extended family. The layout includes two connected apartments, ideal for intergenerational living, with private and shared spaces for flexibility.

The project also challenges traditional home extensions with a “Back to Front” design. Instead of the typical backyard extension, a striking double-storey addition was added to the front, changing the home’s appearance and enhancing its street appeal while maximizing usable space.

With a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and future-proofing, this modern home not only stands out in its neighborhood but is also energy-efficient, offering the same energy consumption as the original house—without the gas component—making it a comfortable, low-impact living space for many years to come.