Snug living lies at the heart of the design for Snug House, which showcases sustainable design on a cosy, typical inner Melbourne subdivision of 283sqm.
The original 99sqm home that occupied this lot wasn’t always as warm, bright, energy-efficient, and healthy as it is now. In fact, it was dark, run-down, and poorly insulated. It consisted of a series of closed-off rooms, crying out for a modern renovation.
The professional couple who owns the property contacted the architects at Green Sheep Collective to float the idea of renovating it in a way that modernises the home immeasurably, but also improves its sustainability factor. While the clients wanted a beautiful home that matches their personalities and embodies their love for design, they were passionate about ensuring the abode is energy efficient, thermally comfortable, highly sustainable and well connected to the garden.
“The size and functionality of the house was increased without encroaching unreasonably onto the existing garden,” shares Shae Parker McCashen, director at Green Sheep Collective. How exactly was this done, you ask? “By reconfiguring the south-facing house to provide energy-efficient, north-facing living areas, designing an extension that doesn’t overshadow the southern neighbour, providing a connection to the whole garden while controlling heat gain from west-facing windows and addressing a lack of cohesion in the existing layout,” Shae explains.
The allocation of funds can make or break a renovation’s success. Thankfully, the clients approached this strategically. They prioritized their funds for the most sustainable long-term outcomes and made peace with letting go of anything that didn’t align with this goal. From the start, sustainable design measures were applied and implemented, while solar panels and general repairs were postponed for a later date, when more funds become available.
Snug House now sits at 117sqm, with just seven per cent circulation space. The project team began with a highly site-responsive plan, resulting in a breathtaking small-footprint house. It features three multifunctional bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, a laundry space, and a multi-functional carport that also serves as a covered entertainment area. Integrated storage is plentiful throughout the home, and light now fills all the right spaces. Both the clients and their pet pup are particularly thankful for the renovated home’s impressive connections with the outdoors.
Sustainability drove every decision in this renovation. The team retained and extended the home’s original structure to preserve embodied energy and reduce demolition. They selected sustainable interior products and surfaces exclusively for Snug House to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the floor plan cleverly reduces idle and wasted space. Indoor plants improve air quality, while Haiku ceiling fans limit reliance on high-energy cooling systems. Furthermore, the team integrated weather sealants and double-glazed windows to enhance the home’s thermal performance.
As a result, Snug House now boasts a 5.4-star energy rating. “By applying fundamental principles of passive solar design, the project reduced heating and cooling demand by 77 percent and cut 3.54t of CO² emissions per year,” says Shae.
The dwelling showcases sustainable materials and exquisite craftsmanship. “It is naturally lit, spacious, and storage is plentiful. Moreover, custom design is meticulously executed, from angled ceiling junctions to intricate cabinetry. This reinvigorated building will provide for its owners well into the future,” notes Shae. Snug House now accommodates the clients’ every need, making entertaining an absolute delight in the newly renovated home.
Additionally, the space offers plenty of room for the couple to pursue their hobbies, either privately in an enclosed area or within the open-plan spaces. The flexibility of the rooms further enhances functionality, allowing them to easily accommodate family and friends when required. In fact, the primary function of each individual room can shift from a bedroom to a home office to a living space or hobby area in an instant. This means the clients are unlikely to ever need to extend or redesign their home again.
“The Snug provides exceptional bang for buck,” says Shae. “Smart design brings renewed habitability and enriched external spaces that entice occupants to embrace their whole property.” After admiring this home in all its glory, we cannot help but agree.
Article Featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine 10.1
