Mosman

Sometimes it’s the location, rather than the house itself, that homeowners seek to retain, prompting them to weigh up a major renovation against a knock-down rebuild. While financial incentives can sometimes favour rebuilding, the environmental impacts and planning implications should not be overlooked. In many cases, alterations are more advantageous than rebuilds, particularly where existing non-conforming elements such as setbacks, building height or FSR (Floor Space Ratio) would be difficult to replicate under current planning controls.

Whilst a substantial portion of this acquired ‘renovator’s delight with water views’ was rebuilt, we encouraged the new owners to renovate rather than demolish the existing home, preserving valuable planning advantages and diverting a significant portion of the original structure from landfill. The new additions were carefully designed to improve thermal performance through passive design principles, reducing ongoing energy consumption and operational costs over the remaining life of the building.

The ground floor existing building footprint, principal front rooms and swimming pool were largely retained, while the rear section was completely remodelled to create generous formal and informal living areas and separate guest accommodation. Externally, the existing front archways and low roof forms were replaced with an open gabled roof and verandah, providing a sunny, covered outdoor space that connects the home’s interior with the highly prized Balmoral Beach outlook beyond.

Upstairs the first floor was extensively remodelled and extended towards the rear, to provide 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 luxurious bathrooms, complimented with a full-width balcony overlooking Balmoral Beach. A full-width double garage at street level was also constructed in conjunction with the home alterations, replacing an existing single carport.

Photography: Nuance Photography.