Flat Roof Projects

Click on image at left to view gallery.                                                                      

A total makeover has transformed this dated and modest dwelling into a high quality, modern and spacious home suitable for a large family. Renovations included new living and sleeping areas, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and study - all within the existing footprint. A sense of spaciousness is achieved through its open plan design, and incorporating a variety of additional access points to outdoor areas, i.e. - Family room opens onto a covered tiled balcony with access to the swimming pool and courtyard area; - Lounge room opens to a large partly covered outdoor terrace overlooking the street; - Master Bedroom opens to a large deck, providing first class views of the ocean and Wedding Cake Island. The renovations have produced a highly functional and appealing home which suits the lifestyle needs of its residents and integrates well within the streetscape.

The transformation of a humble 1950s fibro cottage into a modern luxury home needs to be seen to be believed. With only the footprint left after demolition of the existing structure down to floor level, and all asbestos removed safely from site, it was time to piece together the desires of the clients. There were a number of challenges to be overcome to meet the client's brief, which included 3 bedrooms, study and a large entertaining area. Not the least of these challenges was the limited footprint, and the requirement to retain existing footings, foundation riser walls and all bearers & joists. From a design perspective, the modern look requested by the owners was achieved through angular features, a skillion roof and other techniques, such as setting the front door at an angle in order to open up the entry area. The high standard of workmanship is evident throughout the home and shown in the beautiful finishes. Behind the scenes, the quality is also there in abundance. Measures include: Use of blue pine frame; Double-thickness floors; All perimeter windows and door openings filled with Expanda foam; Step-down joists to bathroom and laundry to accommodate a flush floor finish, and further step-down into shower recess; Stainless steel screws used in decks. Also, meticulous attention has been given to waterproofing of all decks, bathroom and laundry. The visual appeal of the new home is extraordinary. From the beautiful Rosewood floors and Blue Gum staircase, the glass balustrades inside and out, stone kitchen tops, "truth" hardware on the windows and the shadow line cornice - great lines throughout complement this design. The cutting of the staircase into a sandstone outcrop to create access from the rear timber balcony into the backyard area is magnificent, and new driveway and paths have simply made these areas more enjoyable. The choice of polystyrene for the external finish was made in view of its positive insulation qualities, speed of application and real cost savings - without compromise to the desired appearance.

The existing home had a small first floor addition with a poorly positioned staircase that just seemed to take up too much space. Undersize bedrooms and inadequate ventilation meant that the existing addition could be accurately labelled as a "hot box". Specific design challenges had to be overcome, i.e. this was not a blank sheet - an existing structure had to be removed and timbers reused where possible, and the location of bathroom considered in order to accommodate some existing plumbing. The design of the roof provides great north-orientated windows, allowing more natural light and ventilation whilst setting up the house for a "beach" look, consistent with the surrounding area. Also, moving the addition forward enabled the creation of a covered entry area and enlargement of the carport.

Click on image at left to view gallery.

Click on image at left to view gallery.

Click on image at left to view gallery.