The 1930s brick home in Newcastle's heritage-listed Garden Suburb has been given a stunning makeover. This is a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation and the ability to blend old and new seamlessly. The challenge was to preserve the original character while adding modern amenities. The result is a masterpiece that showcases the potential of heritage conservation and innovative design.
The renovation was led by builder Guy Bunder and his wife, Madeline, who engaged Curious Practice to transform the house. The design brief was ambitious: an extra bedroom, separate living and lounge rooms, a new kitchen, dining area, outdoor entertaining space with a swimming pool, and a double garage. All of this had to be done within the confines of heritage controls, which dictated that new work must remain concealed behind the existing dwelling.
The solution was a clever play on the original single-storey home's aesthetics. The new addition features terracotta tiles and gabled roof forms, but it's the distinctive, deep red Colorbond cladding that truly sets it apart. This cladding both complements and contrasts the different eras of the house, creating a visually striking yet harmonious blend.
The design is a series of smaller pavilions arranged under separate roofs. The new living space, kitchen, and dining area are captured under a singular volume that opens up to the pool and landscaping, while a second pavilion hides the double garage and utilities at the opposite end of the courtyard. This approach ensures that the addition feels like an extension of the original home rather than an imposition.
One of the key focuses during the renovation was the restoration and maintenance of the home's original decorative ceilings. These ceilings are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and are a feature that would be difficult to replicate today. In contrast, the ceiling of the new addition becomes its own defining feature, with dramatic proportions and a skylight that allows glimpses of the changing weather throughout the day.
The interior design is a masterful blend of old and new. The restrained palette of spotted gum flooring and wall linings, Breccia Rosso marble, and Japanese glazed tiles creates an understated elegance that stretches across both the original and new interiors. These materials were carefully selected for their ability to balance darkness and light, texture and refinement, bringing a warmth, depth, and sense of calm to the spaces.
This renovation proves that old and new can coexist without imitation. It's a testament to the skill of the designers and builders who were able to preserve the home's heritage while creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. The result is a home that is both timeless and enduring, a true masterpiece of heritage conservation and modern design.
