The owners had a list of items to overcome with their 1980’s project home. A lack of connection to the rear garden, storage, overheating in summer, as well as spaces that were difficult to furnish. The existing spaces were sufficient, so our focus was to make the most of the existing fabric. The owners wanted their home to be comfortable and spirited.

With a limited budget, our approach was to provide strategic modifications: A new large rear sliding door connecting to a wrap-around deck, new double-glazed windows throughout, a new pergola, fireplace, joinery, fireplace, lighting and a fresh paint.

Improved ventilation and better performing glazing addresses overheating. New window arrangements were selected for their ventilation capacity to create cross ventilation. The new pergola no longer retains warm air and the materials selected purposefully reflect heat.

Elsewhere material and design details naturally fit with the existing building, but bring a new delight to the aged. Warm colour tones bring depth, timber joinery has visual detail, translucency plays with natural light. Without a big redo, lots of small details combine to create an enriching experience.