The renovation of this ‘one-of -two’ early 20th Century ‘French Provincial’ styled 2 storey home presents a newly laid out internal configuration and an enhanced utilization of the site, via the opening up of internal spaces to the rear private external courtyard.

The intention was to retain the First Floor Level as the primary Family and Living quarters and to transform the previously under-utilised Ground Floor Level into a summer living space and guest quarters. As a result the internal walls within the common ground floor spaces were demolished and a new opening was created to the existing ground floor spaces, enabling direct access to the garden, a breezeway and greater natural lighting to the previously cold and dark ground floor level. A spiral stair was employed to replace the existing conventional stair - utilising less space and becoming a feature transitional element between the Family areas upstairs and garden/guest quarters downstairs. The space is now a light, open and flexible Kitchen/‘Breakfast’/ Home Office space. The introduction of banquette seating, new hardwood flooring and pelmet lighting have combined to give ‘Café feel’ informality.

Awards:

Winner - DIA National Interior Design Awards 2005 –
Best Emerging Practice