The Brief

To rejuvenate and revive an existing four-bedroom mid-century home, increasing the living spaces to better support a growing family of five. The brief called for improved thermal comfort and energy performance, while carefully honouring the home’s mid-century bones and the vision of its original owners.

The Concept

Inspired by a love of Australian mid-century design and the home’s outlook to its majestic gum tree surrounds, the design embraces the building’s 1960s architectural heritage while creating stronger connections to the natural landscape.

Passive Design

The building is oriented to the north-east and is naturally shaded by mature gum trees surrounding the site. Carefully positioned louvres capture the summer north-easterly breeze, which is cooled as it moves through the heritage-listed tree canopy.

Double-glazed windows and private outdoor spaces allow the family to follow the sun throughout the day, while large skylights draw shards of natural light deep into the home. The new interiors respond to the character of the existing building, with ceilings, walls and floors finished in FSC-certified Blackbutt hardwood.

On the lower ground floor, a rumpus room with exposed masonry walls, Blackbutt ceilings and cork flooring provides a cool retreat. Above, the upper deck is lined with FRP mini-mesh, allowing filtered light to reach the spaces below.Adjacent to the rumpus is a self-contained guest bedroom with a fully accessible bathroom, along with a laundry that has been future-proofed to accommodate a kitchenette.