This project transforms an iconic but cold and dark ‘Pettit + Sevitt’ house into a warm and light-filled family home. Starting at 120 square metres and extending only 21 square metres, the home now functions efficiently and delightfully with four bedrooms, a study nook, two bathrooms, and a spacious open plan kitchen/living/dining. The EER rating was taken from 1.4 to 7.4 stars (which represents an 85 per cent predicted reduction in heating and cooling loads).

The two clients are respectively a carpenter for a high-end sustainable residential building company and studying building design. This means they were well educated on the potential of the project, the work required to transform the home, as well as respecting the value of the existing building. But, it also meant they respected engaging an experienced architect. They had two very young children (while living in the building site).

This respect for professional guidance and collaboration continued into the construction stages. Even though the client is a skilled carpenter and had worked on jobs with his partner previously. “It was important to collaborate and problem solve, so we could proceed as quickly as possible in the new direction/solution determined. It also made the job easier, knowing there was access to experience and knowledge especially when issues arose” reflects the client.

Photography by Ben King