& the rest...
“Jana and David want a second living space so when they’re entertaining friends, the kids have somewhere to watch TV without retreating into their bedrooms,” says architect Andrew. “Going up is something to consider but it would be an expensive and time-consuming option and a stairwell would take up valuable space at ground level. I think they’d be better off remodelling the back of the house and putting a glass corridor to a second living space/sunroom, looking out onto a courtyard. It would be much more cost effective and a better use of space. This way, we could possibly obtain a complying development certificate instead of the more difficult Council DA, and they’d be making the best use of the great space they have out the back.” “The backyard here is great,” says builder Wayd. “It’s a big plot for a city home and David’s done a great job with the lawn. But look at all this concrete at the back of the house! I’d say, looking at the size of the cracks and the amount of movement, it’s unlikely that there are any steel reinforcements so it would be easy to break up and take up. David and Jana have rear lane access so getting a machine in would be easy and you’d have the job done in a day or less. Concrete is cheap to tip as it is recycled into road base and similar products. A professional could get rid of it, put soil down and still have an early mark. Then we could create a courtyard area instead outside the new living area.”
“There are many ways you could style a new room connected to the garden” says interior decorator Lisa. “You could choose a pool-room style, full of bright colours and white wicker furniture; a traditional English conservatory filled with plants; or be inspired by Morocco!”
“My concept here would be linked to a native garden, Jana and David’s love of ochre yellow, and mid-century modern design,” says Lisa. “To create a seamless connection between the inside and out, the flooring could be natural stone with a bit of texture, using the concept of a garden path. Beautiful reclaimed Italian terracotta or Anamur limestone cobbles would work well with layers of rugs in rich, earthy tones and cosy textures.”
“With the furniture, I would consider mixing up styles and textures for an informal mood and introduce large comfy armchairs. A daybed could be a great way to create seating but also the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon nap.”