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The dilapidated state of this freestanding cottage on a tiny suburban block placed it in the 'too-hard basket' for most buyers, but not for one young family who instantly fell in love with its heritage charm and standout location.  Their brief had two objectives: to celebrate the home's period features and create more living space for the family.  A plan was hatched to restore the original home and juxtapose it with a contemporary open-plan rear extension.  

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The restoration stage included: salvaging original floors, and matching them with pre-loved timber boards, throughout, repointing the original brick facade, matching and replacing original tessellated porch tiles, restoring old pressed metal ceilings and original fireplaces and installing a skylight in the hallway to draw light in to the old part of the home.  

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For the rear extension, smart use of space was key. Seamless indoor/outdoor flow was achieved via full height glass sliders opening to an outdoor room with retractable awning.  A kitchen servery doubling as an alfresco bar was specified for easy entertaining.  

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A simple clutter-free aesthetic was achieved in the kitchen with full-height joinery to conceal small appliances and a European-style laundry.  This minimalist form was carried through to the bathrooms via frameless glass, large white rectified wall tiles, mirrors with hidden storage and simple wall-hung vanities.  

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Crisp white walls, dimmable warm light and wide polished timber floorboards were used throughout to create a consistent aesthetic between old and new.