Before the transformation, it was a house that no one wanted. The previous owners had listed the property for sale twice before, but potential buyers stayed away in droves.
The home had charm, but on close inspection some floors and walls were warped, and doors were even glued shut. A dubious-looking murky pond in the backyard did nothing to add to its appeal. The home stood bereft, until new owners Erin and Julien stepped in. They saw the potential, rolled up their sleeves, went to work, and made the transformation happen.
A Vision Comes to Life
Under the expert guidance of designer David Noordhoff, the three-bedroom one-bathroom dwelling has morphed into a stylish abode with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a powder room, and ample open-plan living space to boot.
David developed the design vision in close consultation with Erin and Julien. “The core idea was to breathe new life into the home by blending the character of the original dwelling with contemporary elements that would accommodate the evolving needs of the growing family,” he says.
Blending Heritage with Contemporary Comfort
The owners retained and utilized the existing home as private areas, taking advantage of the intimate proportions. A new extension at the rear offers generous and tasteful open-plan family living spaces. It’s home to a family that grew and grew. While the plans were being drawn up, baby Mackinley was on the way, and since moving into the dwelling, the couple have welcomed baby Murphy. It’s also home to family dogs Nala and Maple.
The new home after its transformation addition is sundrenched and ambient. It boasts a large, cantilevered corner sliding door that blurs the lines between indoors and out — a core element of the design. David collaborated with engineers and they overcame several complications, so the finished product functions with finesse. “This element is now one of my favourite aspects of the finished project, showcasing the balance between aesthetics and functionality,” he enthuses.
Honouring the Past Through Design
During the transformation, there were some hidden treasures uncovered. The original weatherboards were underneath fake brick cladding on the home’s facade. Moreover, the owners repurposed the original hardwood wall framing, transforming it into a sideboard. “It now proudly resides in the hallway, beautifully connecting the new design with the home’s history and adding a unique, personal touch to the space,” explains David.
He notes that restoring the original weatherboards provided a key reference for the material palette of the home’s exterior. As a result, “We chose Standing Seam in Surfmist by Colorbond for the extension, ensuring a harmonious blend of old and new that creates a unified visual expression throughout the residence,” he shares.
A Subdued Palette for a Bright Connection
The interior palette is subdued, with smooth surfaces and pops of colour that complement the cool contemporary aesthetic. David says opting for a muted palette would allow the exterior spaces to truly shine. “By maintaining a restrained interior palette, we enhanced the connection to the garden, enabling the vibrant outdoor elements to stand out and be fully appreciated,” he says.
The warm, welcoming home is filled with the sound of kids’ laughter. There’s plenty of room outdoors too for the children and family pets to run and play.
Seamless Flow Between Indoors and Outdoors
One of the focal points of the design is the dining room window, which extends from the floor all the way up to the roof. “The window serves as a striking feature in the dining space,” notes David, “introducing a dynamic element that changes with the weather, enhancing the overall ambience of the room.”
Another highlight for David is the feeling of walking through the threshold from old to new. “We strategically kept the new addition at the rear, below the profile of the existing house, to create a truly unexpected surprise when you step through that opening into the bright, open space at the back,” he says.
During the build, key sustainability elements were addressed, among them upgrading glazing and insulation. The concrete floor offers thermal mass to help retain optimal temperatures throughout the seasons.
For David, there were many memorable moments during the transformation project. One occurred when doing a walkthrough of the home. “We entered one of the newly updated bedrooms and Erin and Julien casually announced, ‘This will be the baby’s room.’ It took me a moment to register the news, but it was a privilege to share in such a significant milestone in their lives.”
This project holds special significance for David as his first venture as a solo designer. “We approached it knowing there would be much to learn along the way, and we came through with a result we’re all incredibly proud of,” he says.
