The propertyThis featured property is in Campbell – a suburb in Canberra’s inner north, close to Civic, Lake Burley Griffin, the Defence Force offices, Canberra airport and the main arterial roads to the coast, Sydney and the Snowy Mountains.
Architect Graham Legge says the existing two-bedroom house is of brick veneer construction with polished timber floor boards, timber framed windows and timber doors. It is north-facing with large windows and glass doors to the living room.
The challenge
Archicentre, the Home Advisory Service of the Australian Institute of Architects, asked architect Graham Legge of Design Foundry to open up the living areas, open the house to the rear yard and reorganise and update the kitchen and bathrooms.
The plan
Graham Legge’s plan maintains the original character of the home by demolishing the existing ad-hoc additions and enhancing the front façade. Graham suggests reorganising the internal spaces to provide usable spaces and opening up the internal spaces to allow light and ventilation to penetrate into the home.
The kitchen is centralized under the plan and the casual living space is extended to allow a diversity of entertaining on the deck or the courtyard. This allows for a more relaxed lifestyle with easy passage between interior and exterior spaces.
The new design also allows direct access from the laundry to the outside.
The bathroom is larger with scope for a spa and a separate WC is added. A study nook has been introduced off the kitchen for easy access and visibility and an ensuite and walk-in robe has been added to the main bedroom for modern convenience.
External spaces have been greatly enhanced to indulge Canberra’s wonderful spring and autumn weather. Natural light and ventilation have been improved with a floating roof over the new extended spaces.
The benefits
Marcia Delander of Richard Luton Properties says that “once renovated the house would fit with the other houses in the street and would really live up to its potential. It has good building blocks - it’s just unloved as it is.”
Archicentre’s State Manager David Lawrence says, “Graham’s design takes the best of an ordinary three-bedroom house and turns it into a contemporary family home with open plan living areas flowing to the outdoors both at the front and rear of the residence.”
The costs
Projected budget: $200,000 - $250,000
Estimated value after renovations: over $700,000
What Scyon™ products could be used?
Scyon™ Matrix™ cladding seems to be a Canberra favourite - perhaps because it appears so solid and robust, and works well in te context of a lot of traditonal brick construction. For bathrooms, Secura™ wet area flooring is one to consider. .
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