This playful renovation dramatically transforms a modest cottage into a flexible family home, with the lower kids level also configured as a self-contained flat.

The extent of yard is maintained by increasing the footprint of the house only marginally, while at the same time creating a new shady undercroft and rear courtyard terrace. These different garden spaces in association with the new lower semi-enclosed room have a theatrical sense to them and provide options for gathering/sitting.

The extension is unabashedly different in its expression to the existing house. The ‘tower’ interlocks with the rear of the cottage, and shapes a new special light filled living space with a corner window looking back to the street. In contrast the new lower level interior speaks of our place in the tropics with dark stains and sliding translucent wall panels.

Architect: Bligh Graham Architects (2019)

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