Unique flavour retained in style

The West Australian, New Homes – 31st October 2009, pg 74-75
By John Videnieks

A cottage-style home was redeveloped in remarkable style in this East Fremantle project.

A two-storey glass wall was designed to let the north-facing aspect work its magic with the light, and space has been created with a new open-plan kitchen and lounge / sitting room area.

The outside appears to come inside as the trees and established plants frame the glass partition.

The judges acknowledged inherent difficulties in the renovation process.

An extremely challenging site for access, this project maintained the unique architectural flavour of the original residence whilst using modern low-maintenance materials to provide a sustainable long-term addition suiting the theme of this maritime suburb”, they said.

“The quality of the workmanship was most impressive”.

The original was architecturally designed giving it a presence which deserved preservation.

The Dale Alcock Home Improvement team was conscious of the need to complement the first version yet create the new in keeping with the brief of the owners.  The transformation is testimony to their skills.

A modern kitchen heralds the change with an island bench and sweeping views outside.  The cabinetry and stainless steel of the range hood and appliance make for a very modern effect, complemented by the jarrah floor.

The stacker glass-panelled doors continue the association with nature.

Open jarrah stairs lead to the new main bedroom and ensuite.  A raked ceiling develops more space, and light pours in through an almost room-width window.

The ensuite is generous in size, with twin vanities, a bath, wall-length mirror and cleverly designed louvred windows below a bulkhead ceiling.

The low-maintenance materials are represented in the weatherboard facia of the additions.  They have a sympathetic presence in combining old and new, and are appropriate to the environment.