Watson House Renovation - Crows Nest
Areas:
Site = 216 sqm, Floor area = 106 sqm
Scope:
Rear home renovation and extension with new kitchen, living areas, bathroom, powder room, carport with automated gate and site works. The home also included a C-Bus home automation system and high quality finishes.
Construction:
Concrete slab on ground, colorbond roof, timber framed walls
Construction Budget:
$450k approx.
Status:
Completed end of 2009
Builder:
Harbourside Constructions Pty Ltd - Steel Addison Ph: 0417 203 484
Brief:
This existing single-storey, semi-detached house offered cramped dining and small, dark living areas located on a relatively flat site, which sloped slightly up to the rear laneway.
The client requested a redesign to the rear of the home to create open plan style living and included upgrading the kitchen and bathroom while increasing natural light overall.
Solution:
This project presented several difficulties including its conservation area location limited some works, and its narrow rectalinear shape, which restricted the workable space. The house approval process was also subject to extended negotiations with Council and neighbours with a successful Land and Environment Court hearing.
The works involved adding a new skillion roof extension to the rear with a raked ceiling, which integrated into the existing pitched tile roof. This took advantage of northern aspect by catching the sun over the top of neighbouring building, bringing light into the new open plan living, kitchen and bathrooms. The living areas were opened out to new rear paved, terrace giving direct access to the rear garden and reinstated carport and driveway.
The interior colour scheme is fresh and modern incorporating a timber veneer kitchen and timber floors, white walls with an introduction of bold colour to the dining wall to help distinguish areas in the compact living space.
This home has a strong environmental emphasis incorporating a rainwater tank and horizontal, adjustable louvres to control light and ventilation.
The finished design is a successful conversion of a small and narrow conservation house into a high quality open plan residence with a clever integration between the old and new.
