Hi arcmaz Great house - fantastic 60's modern look - Harry Sidler (Modernist Architect 1923-2006 exponent of the Bauhaus style in Australia, mainly Sydney) would have loved the interpretation, its a good style, don't change it will pay dividends in the long run. It would be good if there was a plan of the house,and a plan of the block this would allow some relatively accurate planning proposals. If you had the real-state plan with the block plan it would help a lot. In terms of making the place bigger and retaining the style I would suggest that the extension (maybe one room and an en suite depending on a budget) be a block in the today's current style, but linked to the existing house via a "link" (Link =small walkway). This would allow you to retain the style, but not be dominated by a past period, I have done this a few times and it has worked fairly well. If you are looking for three bedrooms it might be best to add a master bedroom with a bathroom, and then maybe living areas with back yard access. There may be other approaches depending on the current layout that could be considered, but I would retain as much as the original as possible, and only make small cosmetic changes until you are ready for a worthy development. I hope this is of some help, I would be happy to comment further or work on this project. Regards - Michael Manias Manias Associates Building designers - mm407p@gmail.com

Hi oklouise, thank you for the 3D drawing it really does make it easier to visualize the project. :-) To your question of why we are keeping the wall between the kitchen and dining......... The original plan (we got it from the council) is not true to the current kitchen design. The current kitchen is unworkable. The wall that divides it from the dining room is brick and has a tiled bench with cupboards underneath and one very narrow open shelf and room for a fridge. There is a small island bench parallel with that which has electric hotplates (that don't work properly) with minimal to no set down on either side and a rangehood that sounds like a plane taking off. I cannot open my fridge door all the way as the island has been built too close (it cannot be moved). On the other side of the island bench is a column that houses an oven on one side and a robinhood ironing board/centre which doesn't work, on the other. There is a sink under the window with minimal set down on the LHS. The wall that divides the two rooms will accommodate the new hotplates, rangehood and ovens. The new sink will replace the old one under the window and a new island, parallel with the window will give me the bench space I am missing. (I know that many like to have a sink or hotplates on the island, however I will be happy with just bench and drawers). By the way, none of the internal walls are load bearing. Hi siriuskey. I love the fireplace and it works - sad to see it go however, we will dismantle it and rebuild it outside and replace it with a closed wood heater on the wall near where the old laundry is. And your suggestion of extending the ensuite in that direction is a good one . Hi Paul Di Stefano Design, yes we have discussed the design with a couple of professional design companies, and even considered bulldozing and rebuilding however that was going to be a more expensive option, and we have gorgeous established gardens that we want to keep. I agree, we are touching almost everything and discovering more issues as we go.

Hi oklouise, In the shorter term, I was going to live in the granny flat and rent out the main house to people I know or 2-3 international uni students. In the longer term, I would like to have it as a lowset living option for my mum who is in her late 70's. Somewhere, low maintenance, where she can keep her independence (as would I), but has me close by to provide her assistance where required. The original house has 3 bedrooms (the 3rd one is only 3.1 x 2.65m with no built in wardrobe. The back of the property backs onto a council park. The house is set back further from the front than all of the neighbouring properties (greater than 7 metres). The area under the current house would just be used for carparking and storage. The remaining length of my backyard from my back steps is 18.6 metres. I don't think it would necessary add value to my property, but rather provide me with an income as well as options for family or friends that need the accommodation. I hope to keep the house for the long term.

We need some more close up photos and a floor plan would be useful. Top floor extensions always cost more, perhaps a ground floor extension could be better, or a granny flat as you suggest. Also, look at what you really need as opposed to what would be nice but not essential.