Len House - Clifton Gardens

Areas:
Site = 777 sqm, Floor area = 381 sqm

Construction:
Terracotta tiled roof, brick exterior cladding with timber joinery

Construction Budget:
$1m +

Status:
DA approval by Mosman Council, early 2006

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Brief:
Originally an architects residence circa 1916 (E J Heath), this house is one in a street full of heritage listed homes located in a very prominent area. The client required alterations to modernise living areas and bring the home into the 21st century, while retaining the original Arts and Crafts character of the home, within the guidelines set down by Council.

Solution:
The proposed renovation largely opened up the rear and refurbished the interior, along with rebuilding the pool, garage and cabana areas.

Work to the interior involved replanning and widening the kitchen and living room openings to the rear / west facade, and also reinstating and repairing existing traditional elements such as the fireplace and some original window frames.

The majority of works were to the pool and garage areas where privacy was an issue. This involved replanning the existing garage and cabana adding a new sloped clerestory roof and wider opening, and new framless glass balustrading. A new cobblestone driveway and fencing were also proposed, which was more in keeping with the original style and era of the house.

This completed design of a heritage listed home is a fine example of a subtle and understated conversion with a refined contrast between old and new.