Look Design Group

Mosman – Sustainable Heritage Restoration

PROJECTS / Sustainable

Project Description

Coming from the warm and sunny climate of Singapore, the original home’s poor solar orientation and thermal performance were key concerns for the overseas purchasers. Like most heritage buildings, this home suffered from poor thermal performance and solar orientation, in addition to compromised spatial arrangements. This project is a good example of how traditional craftsmanship combined with climate science, can create a comfortable and thermally efficient, family home.

 

The existing brick façade, side walls and front rooms of the home was retained and sensitively restored, preserving a significant portion of the home’s architectural heritage and embodied carbon, in addition to demolition waste. The front living areas were converted into a luxurious parent retreat complete with a restored fireplace, walk-in robe and ensuite. New construction works at the rear involved the removal of a series of poorly executed additions to create an ‘L shaped’ open plan living zone, with a covered outdoor terrace and pool. Upstairs additions included an attic style bedroom, bathroom and kids rumpus area, comprising a total floor area of 290m2 on a compact 280m2 site.

 

The renovation incorporates hydronic underfloor heating, double glazing and high performance insulation for optimal thermal comfort. The home’s environmental performance was also significantly improved through carefully positioned glazing, north-facing clerestory windows that capture winter sun, deep eaves that provide summer shading and enhanced opportunities for natural ventilation. 

 

The overseas purchasers of this home put their faith in LDG to obtain all the necessary building approvals, project documentation and on-site supervision whilst continuing to reside in Singapore. You can view this project in more detail in our CASE STUDIES

 

Interior Furnishings & Styling completed in collaboration with Annie Bowen Design. Lighting Design in collaboration with Mint Lighting.

 

Builder: Tranquil Renovations. Photography: ESS Creative and Simon Whitbread.

 

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 heritage building fabric.
  • Improved thermal comfort through shading & orientation, double glazing & performance insulation. 
  • Lowered operational energy through improved thermal comfort, hydronic floor heating, natural ventilation & daylight optimisation. 
  • Durable & non-toxic materials.
  • Improved connection with outdoors.
  • Home & vehicle electrification.

Building or Renovating with the assistance of a suitably qualified Architect will ensure your renovation will be a very rewarding and exciting experience. Look’s Design Principal Natalie Andersen holds a Bachelor of Interior Architecture in addition to a Master of Architecture. Under her direction, Look can provide you with a comprehensive suite of services that have been tailored over the past 25+ years to assist astute homeowners with their renovation and building projects.

There are many ways in which Look can assist you with your project, beginning with ensuring you receive the necessary advice, construction drawings, documentation and all necessary Building Approvals prior to commencing your renovation project.

Even if you do not require a Building Approval, good construction drawings and documentation will assist you to cost effectively materialise your desired inclusions. If either you or your trade professional must guess how important aspects of your renovation are to be constructed, then needless frustration, time delays and cost overruns will be the result, rather than the rewarding and exciting experience you had hoped for.

Look’s carefully considered design drawings and documentation will ensure you get the look you want, rather than your builder or trade professional’s interpretation. So if you are inspired to make changes to your home and would like a Design Fee Proposal for your project, simply call 0438 699 949 or email Natalie at natalie@lookdesigngroup.com.au to discuss your needs.

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 heritage 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.