The brief was to bring this cramped 1960s family house to an energy rating of 7.5 from its original 2.5 rating. In doing so, we created a versatile, warm and inviting home with vibrant social spaces and great connection to the outdoors.

Mindful of the future, the clients also wanted an adaptable home that could be split into two self-contained units – providing a potential source of income rather than becoming an empty nest.

To achieve these aims, we kept upstairs changes to a minimum and reworked the downstairs floor plan: relocating the kitchen to the former living area, expanding the lounge room space, and moving the upper storey stairs to the hallway.

Improved natural light, a full kitchen refit and the addition of an expansive deck, accessible by ramp, have vastly improved the home’s liveability.

New insulation, improved solar access and hydronic heating have delivered substantial improvements in energy performance: electricity consumption has halved, and the home has achieved an 8-star rating for the downstairs areas and a 7-star rating for the upper floor.

Check it out here:
http://www.lighthouseteam.com.au/projects-renovations-extensions/thorn-place-house