This original 1940’s cottage has been re-interpreted with a contemporary aesthetic. The existing dwelling retains many of its original features including the 1940s laundry, complete with concrete tubs and wood-fired copper,  open fireplace, timber doors and skirtings, pine flooring and bubble glass windows. Many of the original multi-pane sliding windows were restored and re-used in the extension to make a connection between the old and the new. The extension, which incorporates a parents’ retreat, eat-in kitchen, pantry and open-plan lounge/dining area, is sympathetic in design but reflects grander room proportions to the original house. The old and new were unified with a new corrugated iron roof and extensive Merbau decks to the front and rear of the house. A vegetable garden utilising bottomless water tanks, borders of rosemary and lavender, a mini orchard, a rather grand enclosure for the free-range chickens and a cobblestone, paved entryway completed the country sensibility.

“Neil’s expertise and advice in working with heritage properties was invaluable in turning our simple, 1920’s cottage into an inviting family home. He designed a floorplan that seamlessly blended the original build with the new extension, creating a layout that perfectly suited modern-day living.  ShawBuild’s workmen were skilled and respectful, something we very much appreciated since we were living on site while the building works were undertaken.”