Overcoming The Odds

The Sunday Times, Home Magazine, 15th February 2009

Meeting the owners' demand for more space and conforming to local council requirements was the challenge facing designer Max Sardi.

One of the biggest problems builders face when renovating in a well-established area is obtaining council approval for plans. Max Sardi, building designer at Dale Alcock Home Improvement, says the most challenging part of this Subiaco renovation - which involved adding a second storey - was getting the council to sanction the new designs.

"The need for more bedrooms and storage led these clients to extend their home upwards," Max says.

"But it was difficult to get council approval due to height restrictions, so we had to be extra careful about how we designed the upper level.

"The home also had to be seamless in appearance and not overly prominent from the street to keep to council requirements."

The new second storey has a master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite bathroom.

A twin vanity and large shower add a touch of class while a separate powder room is accessed through the ensuite.

White and subtle browns have been used in the tiling and benchtops to give the bathroom a fresh and modern feel.

A balcony opens off the master suite to provide a luxurious parents' retreat.

"The warm northern winter sun can be enjoyed on the balcony which has views over the back garden," Max says.

The new upper level also has a second bedroom.

"Placing an additional bedroom upstairs satisfied the owners' demand for more space without encroaching on the garden," Max says.

Bulkhead ceilings feature in both upstairs bedrooms.

"There is also a stylish void at the landing upstairs leading to the bedrooms and bathroom," Max says.

The new staircase has been positioned at the front and turned into one of the main features downstairs.