About this home

The design

Situated in Kensington, Sydney, this project worked within an existing 1980’s first floor addition to a 1920s Californian bungalow. Preserving the existing building envelope under the new exempt and complying provisions, the ground floor and first floor were transformed into an open and versatile social area with kitchen, living and dining opening up to a new outdoor entertaining space. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a second living space which separates the home entertainment space from the social spaces of the home are comfortably and cleverly achieved within the existing floor area.

The addition provides a striking street presence with confidently executed design elements which dramatically improve the natural light within the dwelling, retain existing sub-structure to maximise the cost efficiency and create a cohesive outcome to one of the most awkward and unsympathetic existing additions we have worked with to date. The reworking of the existing structure promotes cross ventilation and provides generous volumes to the new living spaces and master bedroom.

This project is an excellent example of how a practice with knowledge and hands-on experience in the construction of alterations and additions can resist the temptation to demolish and find solutions that maximise the outcome for the clients’ budget without compromising the amenity or the design. Most importantly, the impact on the environment has been minimised by working with the existing structure instead of demolishing it. The fact that the construction industry contributes to 40% of Australia’s waste was a key driver in the decisions made for this project.