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This once pokey, dark and dysfunctional 140sqm terrace located in Alexandria is now light-filled, functional, and spacious for the clients. With an emphasis on sustainable and energy efficient principals, a larger footprint was created with an addition of a folded-form second storey into the existing rear of the home.

The reconfiguring of the floor plan allowed for the relocation of the living areas to be at the rear of the home versus hidden within, allowing the landscape on site to be fully realised. Through utilising “small home” design principles, borrowed light, and the creation of sightlines extends the views, making the small spaces feel larger.

High ceilings and exposed rafters in the new dining area creates warmth and roominess while wide-span glass sliding doors extends the living areas into the renewed courtyard. Upstairs, sliding partitions make the main bedroom feel larger by “borrowing” space from the top of the stairwell. An expansive window in this space frames the canopy of a nearby flowering gum and allows for access to light and ventilation from both the north and east.

An overhang designed into the new first-floor main bedroom creates shelter for the courtyard below, and has allowed more floor space to this addition. A bay window planter box pops out, adding greenery and capturing views of the gumtrees.

To make the home more comfortable in winter, environmentally friendly hydronic heating was added through the old and new parts of the house, fuelled by energy and cost efficient heat pumps. Provision for future solar panels were incorporated into the design of the roof, and a 2000L rainwater tank supplements the household’s water demands. Passive cross ventilation allows the home to cool down quickly and improves airflow on muggy days.

Bricks were reused onsite from the partial demolition of existing rear and now can be seen along the feature wall of the staircase as well as the brick paving in the courtyard.