“Expand upwards and out”
the Panel’s advice
Andrew Benn Architect and director, Benn + Penna Architecture, bennandpenna.com
On a block of 580 square metres, this house doesn’t lack space overall; it’s just badly designed. If they extended out the back, Paul and Bonnie could add a master suite above the extension with a bedroom, bathroom and office, and cantilever off it to provide shade over the garden. The children could have the front rooms as their bedrooms, and the existing kitchen and living areas could be knocked into a large, open family room. If they don’t alter the roofline, council should be sympathetic and there’s a chance they could get the work done under a Complying Development instead of a full DA. This is a charming character home and instinct tells me it’s worth more if you keep it that way. That doesn’t mean Bonnie can’t have the clean lines she wants; just make sure there’s a clear delineation between old and new.
Wayd Munro Builder, Focusbuild, focusbuild.com.au
In terms of a rebuild, Paul and Bonnie’s budget of around $450k will get them a project home, which would be less than ideal. On the other hand, if you put that money into a renovation, you’d get a second storey and a decent extension out the back. If they started at the original back wall and demolished the closed-in verandah, they could build a new kitchen and entertaining area. The masonry from the demolition could then be used to level out the back garden. Add a retaining wall and you have a perfect family garden. There’s even room for a pool, which could be added once Paul and Bonnie regroup financially. In terms of overall cost, I think we’re looking at around $600k to get it as close to perfect as possible. You’ll have traded in a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home for four bedrooms, plus a study and three bathrooms, in about nine months.
Lisa Koehler ISCD educator, stylist and interior decorator
Decor wise, these two can’t agree on a style: Paul veers towards Scandinavian and Bonnie has more of a modern industrial aesthetic, but we all agree that neutral, open and light is the way to go. No-one has loved this house in a long time. It would be amazing to see it restored and appreciated. The front of the house needs serious attention. The old bay windows were replaced with aluminium frames and strange fake stone panelling, which doesn’t quite cover the holes – I’d love to see them restored to their former glory. There is some wonderful sandstone block work around the exterior, which – once cleaned – could provide inspiration for a colour palette of grey, white and charcoal. I also think Paul and Bonnie could be a bit adventurous and go for a traditional patterned tile on the porch in the sandstone and grey tones, transforming this into a beautiful entry.