An executive home renovation done properly

Home magazines are full of ideas for how to make small spaces bigger – or at least feel that way. But big houses can be silent sufferers of limited livability. And that's exactly why homeowners Leonie and Ian called on Brisbane Architect Stuart Vokes, of Owen and Vokes, to alter and extend their 1980s executive Chapel Hill residence. The result was a home renovation that gained entry into the 2006 RAIA architecture awards.

An outdoor entertaining area was at the top of their wish list, as despite the generous existing verandah length, the tiny width made the area virtually unuseable and exposed to the elements.

The home also suffered from an awkward circulation plan and less-than-ideal kitchen, living and dining areas, with the formal living area more like a walk-through zone than a distinct destination.  

Stuart's innovative home renovation master plan and consequent rearrangement of interior spaces has improved circulation within the house. A new 'hierarchy' of rooms celebrates formal and informal areas – a far cry from the original jumble of public and private domains.

In the master bedroom, the tiny walk-in robe and ensuite have been converted into one big dressing room and the small study converted into an ensuite. But the outdoor room extending from the kitchen into the back garden is the highlight. The semi-enclosed masonry shell, anchored by a tall chimney, features deck-like timber floors which are offset against striking walls.

A huge opening in the wall frames the landscape and draws attention to tall gums, while a skylight invites natural light and ventilation. Complete with outdoor fireplace and built-in seating, the result is an outdoor room with the creature comforts of indoors.

Surprisingly, the outlook from other rooms isn't affected by the makeover, with existing areas maintaining a connection with the garden rarely achieved in extensive home renovations.

Most importantly, this home renovation has produced owners happy with their increased livability through the better use of space and their relaxed year-round entertaining area. 

Stuart Vokes from Owen and Vokes

What were some of the challenges you encountered in this home renovation?

The neo-colonial exterior was a challenge. We decided to paint the brickwork white and remove decorative elements. The floor level of the extension had to be higher than the original, so planning had to allow for a way of climbing up to the space. Grafting the new structure was also tricky.

How did you choose the materials? 

Traditional materials and methods paired with the unconventional shape of the extension results in a timelessness that pretty much sums up my architectural ethos. The use of concrete masonry, like the original brick masonry, also connects the new work to the home's origins.

What's your favourite aspect of the home renovation?

Overall, I'm most happy with the fact that subtle interventions established an order of rooms with distinct gradients of intimacy and a sensible circulation route.

What's unique about the extension? 

Careful consideration was given to how the deck was grafted and affected the interior of the house and an appreciation of the garden beyond the building. 

Leonie - Home-owner

Why did you decide on a home renovation?

Our existing garden-level verandah was pretty unusable due to its narrow width. As soon as we added a table, it felt like we were going to fall onto the lawn. We went to Stuart wanting to increase our outdoor entertainment area and upgrade the kitchen.

Can you describe your new extension?

We love entertaining outdoors, and the new indoor-outdoor room provides the benefit of cover yet a sense of being surrounded by nature. Parts can be closed off in the cooler months and the area warmed by the outdoor fireplace, and in summer, the wall opening and windows make it much cooler. 

How long did the home renovation take?

Building took four to five months, and we lived in the property throughout.

Are you happy with the outcome?

We love it – the feel and look of the house has been upgraded tenfold. We never would have thought of the extension Stuart came up with – he could definitely see the bigger picture.