Project Description
Project Details
The clients were renovating this old family house for their mother so that she would be comfortable as she got older. Unfortunately, she died last year and is dearly missed by her family. This renovation and extension will remain as a respectful testament to her life in this house.
The existing house was over 100 years old. The family have fond memories growing up here and expressed the need to keep the original house as the main building and to design the new modern extensions around it.
The concept for the house is derived from the typical red-roofed barn houses that colour our countryside. It is very vernacular in shape and this modern domestic interpretation has been well received. The contrast between the existing “A” shaped traditional design and new curved shape is a familiar aesthetic for rural sites.
Site Analysis – points I considered on designing the building, extension & site:
- Site access and exits.
- Vehicle access.
- Surrounding buildings and the site context on an elevated site.
- Sun orientation and prevailing winds
- Location of existing septic tank and service.
- Any overshadowing by new design on existing dwelling – keeping the building extension at relatively the same height.
- Views to and from site and building.
- Client’s brief – modern contemporary extension, built to highest standards.
- All storm water to be effectively collected on site – no storm water to be allowed to go on road.
- Building set back required – extension to be at rear.
- Parking for users and visitors.
- Demolish poorly build extensions.
- Relationships of rooms and link to new extension.
- Disabled parking – proximity to doors

