With an existing house located at the bottom of a steep hill with an imposing driveway and lengthy staircase, the approach to the original house was less than ideal and an existing pool at the top of the property remained detached from the living spaces of the home. The client's brief was for a renovation that would create a stronger connection to both the street and the existing pool, while inviting more natural light and ventilation into the home.

The solution was to build an extension onto the original house that straddled over the steep driveway and terraced yards with a new living, dining and kitchen area contained in the new additions, now oriented for better access, natural lighting and natural ventilation. Each level tiers further up towards the pool and street closing the gap between the house and the entry to the property. The older part of the original home, which was oriented less-favourably for natural light, was repurposed into bedroom spaces, making good use of the existing building.

At the street level, a new fence and gatehouse provides a new “front door” that opens up to a courtyard of gardens and decking wrapping around the original swimming pool connecting these outdoor spaces with the new kitchen and dining area.

The design of this home took the challenging slope of the site and transformed it into an opportunity, rather than a constraint, making use of the existing structures on the property whilst totally reinventing the home.

Location:
Kareela, Sydney, Australia

Completed:
2017

Builder:
Intrend Building

Photography:
Andy Macpherson