Adhami Pender Architecture

“The house is so much more than we ever dreamed of. It is full of light even on the dull days, entertaining friends and family is a pure delight regardless of numbers and the views take your breath away – particularly in winter with snow dusting the Brindabellas.”

Arthur and Debbie Watson

The old house, which was typical of the period, was brick veneer construction with a gable tiled roof and lovely jarrah floor. There was an old lean-to verandah on the back and metal car port at the front. It had an uninsulated addition to the back yard and an add-on carport to the front. Again, as is typical of the period, all the bedrooms were at one end of the house, and the living areas the other. The kitchen was small and outdated.

The end result has achieved a light filled house with strong street presence, interesting form, shapes and colour. The house works on many levels incorporating a parents retreat and a secluded wing for visiting children and friends. The appearance of the house to the street seems to have hit the “sweet spot” in the public’s eye. It is very popular with passers-by, as it achieved a balance of difference and conventionality which appeals to a broad range of people. The use of double glazing highlight windows, solar eaves and existing brick walls as thermal mass has improved the thermal ambience of the new house. The new external finishes had to respond to future bush fire threats, and included is a rain water tank sited to the west facing the reserve and the prominent bush fire approach.