created:
January 17, 2024
area:
81m2
Location:
Kiama
This project was a personal one, transforming our own home into a beautifully light-filled, open-plan space. Our two storey home, a 1960s shack with a first floor addition added in the 80s, we removed a large shed at the rear of the property and extended along one side of the block, creating a skillion roof addition that embraces natural light and enhances indoor-outdoor living. The result is a spacious kitchen, living, and dining area, opening onto a large deck designed for entertaining and relaxing.
With high north-facing windows and three skylights over the kitchen, the extension floods the home with natural light throughout the day. A timber-battened verandah with a clear roof extends the outdoor space while allowing even more light to filter into both the deck and interior. The backyard was also fully reimagined, with fresh landscaping and a firepit area featuring a white rendered bench seat, creating a stunning outdoor retreat.
One of the biggest challenges was working around an existing slab, which required a topping slab to be poured over it to ensure a seamless transition. Limited access to the rear of the property also made logistics more complex, but with careful planning, we overcame these hurdles.
The final outcome is a warm and inviting family home, designed for functionality, comfort, and style. The walnut kitchen is the heart of the space, bathed in natural light from all angles. The laundry and bathroom are standout features, with a beautiful zellige-tiled wall and terracotta and white checkered floors adding depth and character with more walnut cabinetry alongside it in the laundry. Every detail came together perfectly, creating a home that feels modern, open, and effortlessly connected to the outdoors.