Watson Architects - design sustain conserve

Alterations & additions

This project featured a relatively intact c.1920s elevated timber & tin “Queenslander” with an enclosed verandah on a steep sloping corner site.  The house is situated in a residential character code area and required alterations and additions to meet the modern lifestyle of a young family.

Changes were undertaken in stages with minimal impact to the existing ‘bones’ and appearance of the house in order to retain the character and features that originally appealed to the client.  The intent was to work with the building rather than to undertake wholesale change and an initial ‘masterplan’ for the final design was created.

The first stage provided a new driveway and two-car accommodation under the house.  Later alterations included a re-arrangement of the existing single floor to retain three bedrooms, provide a new kitchen area, a new bathroom area and an ensuite for the master bedroom.  The original internal layout of timber VJ walls and rooms remained generally unaltered.

Internal stairs were added in the third stage to provide access to a new lower level featuring a study, rumpus room and a combined bathroom and laundry.  The external pavilion and swimming pool were also part of this final stage and have become a principal outdoor room and living and entertainment focus enjoyed by the family and their friends.