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Sydney Architects: Before + After Projects Portfolio

The following is a selection of the 'Before + After' comparisons to showcase our design skills and architecture.

These renovation ideas can be applied to many types and styles of homes in conjunction with good design and planning to achieve fresh and improved new looks.



Existing Street Front

Completed Street Front

Art Deco House Existing - Street Front Art Deco House Completed - Street Front

Art Deco House - Balgowlah

Upper Level Home Addition + Interior Design

This project involved the renovation of an existing Bungalow with the design of an upper level addition, which would integrate seamlessly with the existing home. The proposed design a master suite, sundeck, additional living space, bedroom and Art Deco inspired bathrooms all integrated into an open mezzanine floor overlooking the new double height entry. The recently completed design is a very successful renovation with the new upper level integrating perfectly without looking like a boxy add-on.

Completed 2009, Construction Cost $500k+ Art Deco House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Bar House Balgowlah Heights Existing Bar House Balgowlah Heights Completed

Bar House - Balgowlah Heights

Upper Level Addition + Home Renovation

This house under-went a total transformation with a re-design of the existing rooms and an upper level addition to house two bedrooms, a new bathroom and family room. Due to Council height restrictions limiting the number of storeys allowed to just two, only half of the house could include the upper level addition. The stepping of the original facade can still be seen in the completed renovation with new window joinery and cement rendered finish applied to the brick achieving an altogether new look.

Completed 2006, Construction Cost $350k+ Bar House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Barnett House Killara Existing Barnett House Killara Completed

Barnett House - Killara

Home Extension + Renovation

This plain and boxy existing home was lacking in street appeal, functionality and overall wasn't working for the client. The house had considerable remodelling to the front combined with modern landscaping to create a more defined and inviting entry and giving street presence. The interior decorating involved a complete bathroom and kitchen makeover and a new hidden attic integrated into the ceiling space.

Completed 2006, Construction Cost $350k+ Barnett House Project Details



Existing Home

Proposed House Design

Cutler House Clontarf Existing - Front Cutler House Clontarf Proposed - Front

Cutler House - Clontarf

Proposed Home Renovation: Front View

This large and dated home is situated on an elevated site with amazing ocean views out to Balmoral Beach and Middle Harbour. The design proposed a substantial rebuild and interior alterations within the existing building envelope to create a transformed, contemporary home.

Concept Design, Construction Cost $1m+ Cutler House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Watson House Crows Nest Existing - Rear Watson House Crows Nest Proposed - Rear

Watson House - Crows Nest


Home Renovation + Interior Design: Rear View


Watson House Crows Nest Existing - Kitchen Watson House Crows Nest Proposed - Kitchen

Watson House - Crows Nest

Home Renovation + Interior Design: Kitchen

This existing semi-detached home was originally cramped and dark offering little storage and a dated interior. The project involved complete remodelling to the rear half of the building and developing a new roof design that would capture sun over the top of the neighbours. With the addition of this skillion roof, raked ceiling and new open plan layout, the home is now lightfilled and spacious with a very high quality of finish throughout.

Completed 2009, Construction Cost $480k Watson House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Cove House Existing - Front Cove House Completed - Front

Cove House - Castle Cove

New House Design: Front View

This project involved the demolition of the existing older style brick home and the design of a much larger, contemporary home. The existing site offered a dual frontage and sloped block within a lovely bush setting and opportunities to produce two stylish facades. Council restrictions were cleverly stretched to allow for an attic space and the northerly aspect was maximised achieving free-flowing and light spaces. The house was sold shortly after completion for a record sale price for the street.

Completed 2002, Construction Cost $400k+ (trade cost) Cove House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Ken Cottage Existing - Kitchen Ken Cottage Completed - Kitchen

Sommerhaus - Clontarf

Home Renovation + Interior Design: Kitchen

The brief for this existing, 1950's weatherboard cottage was to reconfigure the spaces and maximise the views over Clontarf, whilst maintaining and restoring the existing traditional elements of the home. The makeover involved the interior being rebuilt with remodelling to the kitchen and bathroom, excavation for a new lower level and extended deck areas. A high level of detail and refinement was applied to all elements including the skirting and cornices combined with high quality materials and finishes.

Completed 2002, Construction Cost $1m+ Ken Cottage Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Ranu House Manly Existing - Rear Ranu House Manly Completed - Rear

Ranu House - Manly


New House Design: Rear View


Ranu House Manly Existing - Front Ranu House Manly Completed - Front

Ranu House - Manly


New House Design: Front View


Ranu House Manly Existing - Backroom Ranu House Manly Completed - Backroom

Ranu House - Manly

New House Design: Interior

This existing house was located on a hill-top site with distant ocean views but offered a tired, dark and cold interior with insufficient flow through living spaces and restrictive use of the outside. The completed design involved almost demolishing the entire home and some site excavation to allow for a complete and successful transformation. The success of the finished house is reflected in the easy installed skillion roof design, which captures sun over the neighbouring house with the use of clerestory windows. The open layout, and warm interior now offers a modern and efficient way of living and gives the users maximum enjoyment of the easily accessible outdoor spaces.

Completed 2005, Construction Cost $350+ (trade cost) Ranu House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Hay House Freshwater Existing - Front Hay House Freshwater Completed - Front

Hay House - Freshwater

New House Design: Front View

This project involved demolition of the existing small, red brick cottage for a new contemporary home in this beach side suburb. The site offered an ideal northerly aspect but had a difficult topography with a two storey rear escarpment creating unusable but much needed space. With extensive excavation and using council controls to an advantage, this rear yard was reclaimed with a new roof terrace design.

Completed 2007, Construction Cost $1.3m Hay House Project Details



Existing Home

Proposed House Design

8 Star Home Manly Existing - Front 8 Star Home Manly Proposed - Front

8 Star House - Manly

New House Design: Front View

This new development was undertaken by the owners of a sloped block looking to subdivide their property and create a modern and high quality home. Despite the small site, the proposed design managed to incorporate four bedrooms plus study, two living areas and multiple outdoor living spaces. The careful planning and design has achieved an 8 star thermal efficiency rating reducing the need for supplementary heating and cooling. This highly successful design presents style and sophistication as well as environmental benefits.

Currently awaiting DA approval, Construction Cost $750k+ 8 Star House Project Details



Existing Home

Proposed House Design

May House Dee Why Existing - Front May House Dee Why Proposed - Front

May House - Dee Why

New House Design: Street View

This existing single storey brick house is completely transformed in this upper level addition which integrates seemlessly with the original footprint. The upper level incorporates three bedrooms, new bathroom and master suite taking advantage of the distant ocean views. The existing building facade is reflected in the proposed design with a cement render applied to the painted brick to create a house that is almost unrecognisable.

Currently on hold, Construction Cost $550k+ May House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Seaview House - Waverly - Existing Lounge Seaview House - Waverly - Completed Lounge

Seaview House - Waverly


Home Renovation + Interior Design: Lounge


Seaview House - Waverly - Existing Kitchen Seaview House - Waverly - Completed Kitchen

Seaview House - Waverly

Home Renovation + Interior Design: Kitchen

This project involved a complete makeover of the interior living spaces and recreating the entry to be level with the living area. The proposal considered better placement of the kitchen, opening the layout of the entire upper level and a new adjustable louvred roof to the existing terrace. The new entry allowed for a spacious and more inviting foyer, which flowed easily into the living areas. A new raised timber floor, frameless glass balustrade and modern kitchen completed the dramatic upgrade to this family home.

Completed 2003, Construction Cost $200k+ (trade cost) Seaview House Project Details



Existing Home

Completed Project

Crown Road Queenscliff Existing - Front Crown Road Queenscliff Completed - Front

Crown Road - Queenscliff

Home Renovation + Interior Design

This tired and dated home required a complete makeover to enhance its compatibility with neighbouring properties in this established beach side suburb. The completed design enclosed the existing front porch creating a new double glazed childrens playroom, and added a new carport with automated gates creating a safe playing area. The existing cladding was replaced with fibre-cement and featured timber straps, and the driveway was improved with 'Cobb & Co' natural stone. This simple and functional design has added amenity and character to the street.

Completed 2003, Construction Cost $130k - Sydney Home Builder, Stuart Whitehall



Existing Home

Proposed Design

Fisher Home Existing - Front Fisher Home Proposed - Front

Fisher Home - Davidson

Home Addition + Renovation

The existing building was an older style, split level home located on a cliff-top site and offering a north facing front yard. The brief for this project involved the addition of a new wing to the left hand side of the house, recreating the entrance and remodelling the garage. The new wing was to house a rumpus, home cinema room, powder room and allow internal access from the garage. The main concept of this proposal was to hide the existing building behind the new addition creating a more modern finish to the home.

Completed 2005, Construction Cost $400k - no photos available



Existing Kitchen

Completed Kitchen

Simpsons Home Existing - Kitchen Simpsons Home Completed - Kitchen

Simpsons Home - Rosevile

Home Addition + Renovation incl. new kitchen

This project involved the renovation of an existing and dated Californian Bungalow. The design proposed a reconfiguration of the spaces with a new kitchen, deck extensions a refurbished living area and two bedrooms incorporated into an upper level addition. The new open kitchen was designed in a classic style to compliment the era of the house and was finished with Carrara Marble benchtops.

Completed 2002, Construction Cost $300k+ in Total