Hawthorn Reimagined
An existing building is transformed and extended into a highly efficient and striking home.
In the bustling inner suburbs of Melbourne, a building that still offered plenty of character now has a new lease on life thanks to a renovation and addition. A contemporary street presence was achieved by cladding the tired and unappealing façade with cypress battens and installing a pair of distinctive custom windows. Framing these windows are metal-clad surrounds that double as bay seats to enjoy the extensive garden from.
Products were chosen to emphasise the home’s design features. For example, Colorbond Monument® frames complement the variety of vertical cladding throughout. Functionality was paramount, so all existing windows were replaced with high-performance Rylock products, featuring multiple seals and low-e double glazing.
Courtesy of Habitech Systems’ structural insulated panel system (SIPS), the north-facing rear of the home is made highly efficient. Crafted from highly insulated modular panels offsite, SIPS minimise on site construction duration and, importantly, ease access limitations in urban areas.
Casement Windows combine with French Doors to channel refreshing breezes through the narrow building footprint and an electrically operated Awning Window is set high above floor level to expel rising warm air. The rear of the new extension is built on an exposed concrete slab to harness the solar gains that radiate through the extensive glazing, whilst in summer considered shading offers protection.
This project is a template for improving a home through considered design and the use of high performance building products.
Architect: Habitech Systems
Builder: Henry Netherway Builders
Photographer: Nic Granleese