Lakeside cottage extension to create a sustainable house

Architect Ben Statkus has designed an innovative, sustainable house extension for a rural 1930s cottage design - creating an unpretentious lakeside home which takes old-world charm and melds it with sustainable, modern features.

This lakeside cottage hideaway in Victoria's Yarra Ranges was built in the 1930s. Owner Deirdre wanted to extend the house in a way that would preserve its history but at the same time modernise it, maximise the stunning views of the lake and create a sustainable house.

Architect Ben Statkus of Statkus Architecture was enlisted on the project. "From the outset, I was taken by the property, the existing cottage and the owner's brief," he says. "This sustainable house extension project also offered the opportunity to work in a rural location, quite different to the inner-city and urban homes we generally work on."

A key aim of the project was to obscure the link between the old house and the extension. "I wanted to maintain the feel of the cottage and didn't want the extension to look tacked on," says Deirdre. As a way of linking the elements, Ben suggested recladding part of the existing cottage to match the addition.

Getting more light into the sustainable house project was also important, as the existing house was shaded by large native trees. Ben introduced skylights to take advantage of passive solar lighting, and incorporated numerous sustainable living features to reduce the reliance on additional forms of heating.

Sustainability is a feature throughout the cottage. The walls, ceilings and floors have been insulated beyond minimum requirements, and the new windows and skylights are all double glazed. Large water tanks ease the reliance on lake water, and all fittings have good water ratings - even the outhouse toilet, which has a hand basin incorporated into the cistern.

One of the most striking elements of the new design is the extension to the covered verandah, which originally was used as a multipurpose room, laundry and storage area. Now extending all the way to the new entry to the home, it forms an entry hall, gallery, study and transitional space between the living and bedroom areas.

But Deirdre's favourite aspect of her new sustainable house extension is the abundant light that now fills her home. "I love the light in the new extension," she says. "I also love being able to view any part of the property, especially the lake."

Ben Statkus, from Statkus Architecture

What were you trying to achieve with your design of this sustainable house?

As the existing cottage design and property had a rich history dating from the 1930s, the initial intent was to preserve this history while providing an upgrade and a fitting addition to the cottage. I wanted to obscure the visual connection between old and new, while providing a contemporary, adaptable house with features for sustainable, modern living.

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the design process and how did you resolve them?

While the design process was rigorous for the renovation and extension of the cottage, some of the restrictions posed by inner-urban properties were not relevant, given the rural location of this project. There was an early understanding between client and architect, which also helped contribute to the outcome.

Does the design have any sustainable living features?

Yes. The house site sits within a lowlying dish, in a particularly cold climate, shaded by large native trees. Given this, the cottage design had to achieve maximum passive solar lighting and heating to reduce reliance on additional forms of heating. Skylights were introduced in the new and existing sections to increase natural light levels.

Which part of the design do you think works particularly well?

The space between the new and existing sections of the house forming the entry hall, study and interstitial space between bedroom and living areas. It offers views of the lake from the entry door, while the overhead skylights in the ceiling allow a daily, sundial-like dance of light across the south wall of the hall.

Is there anything you would have done differently in retrospect?

A skylight was added to the ensuite during the construction stage to allow for treetop views from the bath, but unfortunately the tree to be viewed through it fell down in a storm not long afterwards. Therefore the skylight was unnecessary and I wouldn't have included it.

Deirdre, the home owner

What was your vision for this house?

The home extension project really aimed to restore and maintain the feel of the cottage, plus to extend it by two bedrooms but not have the extension look 'tacked on'. I also wanted the house to have more of a feel of light and space, and to make the most of the feature lake at the front of the house.

Did you have much input into the design?

Yes. Every aspect of the house was carefully discussed and agreed upon before finalising, including passive solar features and ideas for a more sustainable house.

Which features of the new house do you love, and why?

I love the cosy feel of the original cottage design that has been retained and the feel of light in the new extension. I love the feel of being able to view any part of the property, especially the lake.

Is there anything you would change about the process if you were to go through it again?

No, not really - it was a relatively smooth 15 months, thanks to the hard work and co-operation of the architect and the builder.

If you're wanting to extend a cottage or house, discuss your needs with an architect in your area: