Old and new in sweet harmony

The West Australian, New Homes, 10^th October 2009
By John Videnieks

An astounding transformation meets owners’ brief, as John Videnieks discovers

Size is important.  Even in East Fremantle with its green credentials, a small, lovingly designed home may hit the limitations wall and need to be expanded.  Such is the case here.  So the brief from the owners as to design a completely new modern kitchen and family area, to be used throughout the year, and a main bedroom retreat.

The transformation is astounding; the cottage feeling is gone.  A modern kitchen with a very stylish black stone waterfall island bench ushers in the new construction.  From here, beyond the stainless steel of the suspended range hood, the view is over the open area of the lounge, sitting room and alfresco area to the garden beyond.  A wall of glass lets in northern light and heat to warm up the space.

The well-established plants and canopy of trees retain the rustic theme of the original home but now they complement a 21^st century building.

Open jarrah steps lead to the main suite and ensuite bathroom.  The grey carpeted floor extends to the parents’ retreat and sit below a raked ceiling.  The space is generous and is made to appear more so when linked to the ensuite.  Double vanities sit on a dark-brown bench below a wall-length mirror.  A bulkhead runs the length of the bath wall parallel to ceiling-height louvred windows.  The light streams in.

Externally, the weatherboard fascia of the extension maintains a natural element in the use of materials.  The bi-fold doors of the open-plan area are also a means of interacting with the elements.  When opened to the backyard, the sense is of continuity as the garden becomes part of the experience.

This is a design of practical purpose, yet with a sensitive acknowledgement of the environment in which it is placed.  The owners’ brief has been met.  Now there is space, there is light and there is a blend of the old with the new.