Modern Cottage Renovation

This weatherboard cottage renovation is a wonderful example of reimagining spaces and blending the charm of the past with the needs of the present. With its generational history within the family, this home held much sentimental value for our clients. Renovating this tired weatherboard cottage was like breathing new life into a beloved old friend.

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The design focused on reworking the layout, preserving the home’s original character and creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

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The kitchen was originally confined to a dimly lit room at the front corner of the house. It felt disconnected from the rest of the home and had limited natural light. Our goal was to reposition the kitchen to become the heart of the home – a functional, light-filled space where cooking, dining, relaxing, and entertaining could all flow seamlessly together.

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To achieve this, we relocated the kitchen into the back sunroom. It already had excellent access to natural light and was well-positioned to enjoy the lovely backyard. Once a simple extra space at the back of the house, the sunroom has been transformed into a spacious, airy kitchen that now spills out to a sunny alfresco deck. The open-plan design allows for a smooth connection between the indoor cooking area and the outdoor living space, creating a beautiful and functional environment for both intimate family meals and lively entertaining.

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A striking raked gable roof over the kitchen extension, complete with clerestory glazing, adds a statement while providing an abundance of natural light into the new heart of the home and a lovely sense of spaciousness that the area was previously lacking.

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The structure and layout of the cottage already had a classic charm, and we were careful not to lose this essence in the design of the renovation. Materials were thoughtfully selected that would complement the home’s original character. The heritage red of the roof cladding was continued on the extension while the original weatherboard façade was celebrated and brought into the 21st century with a crisp white colour refresh.

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The charming red-brick chimney was retained and repurposed as a beautiful kitchen splashback, adding both a functional and visual focal point. Existing internal windows were preserved to maintain a visual connection to the front of the home and a sense of continuity throughout the design.

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As always, sustainable design principles were at the forefront of the renovation, with careful attention given to passive design elements. Ample shading was incorporated on the western elevation, and windows were strategically placed to encourage natural cross-ventilation, minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling. This not only reduces energy costs but also enhances the comfort of the home year-round for our clients.

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