Clovelly – Compact Beach Pad
PROJECTS / Sustainable
Project Description
Working with compact sites may seem challenging and daunting, however LDG enjoyed working with this homes’ owners to come up with clever design solutions to create a spacious family home. Downstairs all of the internal walls were removed and new openings inserted into the exterior walls, to gain as much natural light as possible to make up for the shared party wall. A raised timber deck was added to facilitate level indoor/outdoor connection and maximise the available ocean glimpses. Upstairs, a generous first floor addition incorporating three large bedrooms, two bathrooms and dual balconies was created, with all glazing strategically orientated towards all available ocean vantage points. You can view this project in more detail in our Case Studies.
Builder: Icon Homes. Photography: Nuance Photography.
Scope of work
- Development Application to Council for approval of alterations and additions.
- Architecture & Interior Design services including:
- Joinery Design, Selection & Documentation
- Bathroom Design, Selection & Documentation
- Kitchen Design, Selection & Documentation
- Lighting & Electrical Design, Selection & Documentation
- Interior & Exterior Material & Finishes
- Construction Documentation
- On-site construction observation & design project management
Project Description
As the urban environment of Sydney continues to evolve, creating family homes on compact sites without necessitating knock-down rebuilds offers significant environmental and social benefits. With finite land and resources available, it makes sense to work with existing buildings wherever possible to minimise environmental impacts and landfill contributions.
Ripe for renovation, the existing two bedroom 1960s semi was dark, cold, poorly ventilated and affected by mould. Despite its beachfront location, the only room that benefited from ocean views and cooling sea breezes was the laundry. This transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a healthy, energy efficient family home on a compact 215m2 site without the need for knock-down rebuilding.
Downstairs, a significant portion of the existing home was retained by working with the existing façade, side walls and footprint, keeping unnecessary building materials out of landfill. New window and door openings were thoughtfully inserted into the existing external walls to optimise the home’s orientation and thermal performance. A raised timber deck was added at the rear to facilitate level indoor-outdoor connection and maximise the available ocean glimpses. Upstairs, a generous first-floor addition incorporating three large bedrooms, two bathrooms and dual balconies was created, with all glazing strategically orientated towards available ocean views and cooling breezes. The homes compact footprint, cross ventilation, double glazing and high-performance insulation make it comfortable throughout the year, without the need for mechanical heating or cooling.
Despite the compact 215m2 site, this renovation achieved 190m2 of floor area, enabling the young family to remain within their coastal community when thy had previously assumed they would need to relocate elsewhere to secure an affordable and comfortable family home. The entire approval and construction process was also remarkable efficient, taking only taking 15 months from design to completion and minimising disruption to the owners.
Builder: Adam Crawford. Photographer: Nuance Photography.
Scope of work
- Development Application to Council for approval of alterations and additions.
- Architecture & Interior Design services including:
- Joinery Design, Selection & Documentation
- Bathroom Design, Selection & Documentation
- Kitchen Design, Selection & Documentation
- Lighting & Electrical Design, Selection & Documentation
- Interior & Exterior Material & Finishes
- Construction Documentation
- Tender Documentation & Review
- On-site construction observation & design project management
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN RESPONSE
- Carbon minimisation through high retention of existing building fabric.
- Improved thermal comfort through shading & orientation, double glazing & performance insulation.
- Lowered operational energy through improved thermal comfort, natural ventilation & daylight optimisation.
- Durable & non-toxic materials.
- Improved connection with outdoors.
OUR Projects
For over 25 years, Look has offered individual and personalised interior design and architecture services in numerous building and renovating projects across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs.
Look’s primary focus is to ensure a rewarding and exciting building or renovating experience for every client, by offering steadfast support, construction documentation, building approvals and innovative design solutions.
Choosing to embark on a building or renovation project is a significant undertaking and it’s crucial to receive the right guidance. We can provide you with an Initial Service Meeting to answer all of your burning questions.