Short Back & Sides is an inspired reimagining of a 1910s bluestone cottage nestled in the leafy streets of Kingswood, South Australia. Designed by Greg Bond and Ben Ramsey of AtelierBond and built by Wilks Building Group, this home effortlessly blends historical charm with modern family living. Laura and Tom Day, the homeowners, wanted a space that would grow with their family, honour the original cottage’s character, and offer a vibrant, communal environment for their two young sons.
The concept of transformation is at the heart of Short Back & Sides. Just as a haircut symbolises a fresh start, this home represents a new chapter for Laura and Tom, who have spent years nurturing this project. “We wanted a place that would grow with us, creating a home for our family to gather and make memories,” Laura says. The house, now triple the original size, merges the best of old and new with a three-storey addition that accommodates flexible living and brings a modern twist to this historic property.
The home’s layout honours its roots while embracing a new era. The original cottage, with its character fireplaces and corniced ceilings, now hosts the boys’ bedrooms, a playroom and a guest room. A sleek, three-level addition leads guests through a double-height entryway, awash in soft, dappled light, into the heart of the home. The open-plan living areas are thoughtfully reoriented to face north-east, maximising natural light and offering views of the private courtyard. With expansive glass doors and carefully considered windows, each space is bathed in light that shifts beautifully throughout the day, enhancing the home’s welcoming atmosphere.
The minimalist palette, a harmonious mix of whites and black accents, sets a refined tone throughout the house. Tanned ash floors from Woodcut anchor the spaces, while engineered stone in the kitchen and accents of oak veneer add warmth and functionality. The exterior palette extends these choices, with black aluminium window suites, stained black timber, and Axon cladding offering durability alongside style. The steel-framed glass door between the cottage and the addition serves as both a visual and symbolic bridge between past and present.
Sustainable choices are woven into the fabric of Short Back & Sides, including solar panels that reduce reliance on grid electricity. This commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise aesthetics; instead, it complements the home’s efficient, adaptable design. “We wanted every decision to feel timeless and considered,” notes Greg, explaining the choices that make the home energy-efficient yet luxurious. The Days wanted a space that felt open and adaptable for their active boys, so durable materials were a priority, from the engineered floors to the high-performance solar systems.
Short Back & Sides thrives on its ability to accommodate both family gatherings and private moments of retreat. Central to the home is a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows into the outdoor space, complete with a pool, pizza oven and sheltered entertaining area. The double-height side entry gallery and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions ensure that every area feels open and connected, ideal for the Days’ love of hosting. The addition of a pool and shaded garden creates a kid-friendly space for backyard cricket and summer gatherings.
Reflecting on the project, Laura says, “The goal was to make our home the centre of activity, a place where friends and family want to gather.” The home is as much about these shared moments as it is about personal comfort. Upstairs, a serene primary suite provides a retreat for Tom and Laura, with a balcony that offers views of the surrounding treetops completing the home’s sense of balance between family life and moments of relaxation.
