An old semi‑detached house in a Heritage Conservation Area—its charm compromised by a clumsy 1990s addition that left the rear cramped, dark, and confused. After many years of living with its shortcomings, we finally undertook a complete re-think.
We made a deliberate decision not to build up. The extra space wasn't needed, and the cost and impact felt unjustified. Likewise, early sketches for a small third bedroom or study were set aside in favour of a more meaningful transformation of the existing footprint. In a heritage context, the two front bedrooms were to remain untouched, which suited the project well. Everything beyond those was re-imagined.
A new bathroom now sits discreetly behind the second bedroom, generously lit and ventilated by a large operable louvre window. The bathtub is sunken into the available subfloor space — insulated beneath — and covered by a hinged, industrial fibre-reinforced grate that lifts when a bath is desired. When closed, the shower floor runs seamlessly across the space, enhancing accessibility and contributing to the bathroom’s surprising sense of generosity. The toilet is tucked between laundry and storage joinery, and a lightweight translucent shower screen slides entirely out of sight when not in use. The walls are lined in stone veneer—real stone on fibreglass, only millimetres thick and, crucially, without grout lines.
The remainder of the house becomes one continuous living space, supported by two slender exposed steel beams that are celebrated rather than concealed. Existing level changes were corrected—and heavily insulated in the process—leaving a single, deliberate step that defines a large sunken living area.
The kitchen is expansive and interwoven with varied shelving and storage. A large dining table anchors the kitchen–dining zone, while a tall, wide, shallow cabinet along the corridor wall provides generous pantry room without overwhelming the space.
Material selection and detailing were approached with great care. A dark oak floor marks a clear caesura between the heritage front rooms and the renewed rear, setting the tone for a rich, warm palette. All joinery is finished in a matte, warm brown-grey — a colour we have used in several projects and continue to love for its depth and softness. In the bathroom, the Axolotl stone veneer becomes the protagonist: richly textured and beautifully coloured.
In the kitchen, the hero material is a “rainforest” stone from India, used horizontally on benchtops and vertically on waterfall ends and splashbacks. The induction cooktop sits invisibly beneath the stone, preserving uninterrupted bench space.
Lighting is understated and fully smart-controlled. Initially resisted, it became necessary for dimming requirements and is now appreciated for its flexibility. Mini magnetic tracks run along the steel beams—barely visible when not in use yet capable of endless reconfiguration.
There is no air-conditioning, by choice. Instead, a combination of operable louvres and ceiling fans provides natural and assisted ventilation year-round. High performance windows and substantial roof and floor insulation ensure a stable indoor climate, supported by an in-wall fireplace that offers both warmth and atmosphere.
Photos by ROAr