This renovation project involved transforming a simple rectangular brick and tile house from the 1980s to meet the needs of a young family of four. The existing layout presented a challenge, with the entry door located on the ground level and all living spaces situated on the top floor, creating an awkward flow. To address this, we extended the home to include a new carport at a higher level, which shifted the entry point to the top floor, directly connecting it to the living areas. We also introduced a new stairwell, simplifying circulation and enhancing the overall flow of the home.

The top floor was reconfigured to include a new guest suite, while the ground floor was redesigned to accommodate three bedrooms, a family bathroom, a laundry and an art studio. The addition of large glass stacking doors opened the living spaces (kitchen and lounge) to a new back deck, creating a seamless connection to the backyard and offering expansive views—perfect for entertaining.

In terms of design, we opted to leave the existing yellow brick and complement it with James Hardie Axon cladding in a dark gray hue for the new walls, along with honed concrete blocks. Vertical battens, finished in the same dark color, were incorporated to add texture and visual interest, creating an urban and contemporary feel. The renovation balanced modern functionality with thoughtful design, allowing the family to enjoy a more practical, spacious, and light-filled home.