Awards

Winner: Residential Houses (New) - AIA Newcastle Architecture Awards 2024

Commendation: Interiors - AIA Newcastle Architecture Awards 2024

Shortlist: Dulux Colour Awards 2024 in the Residential Interiors and Residential Exterior categories

Shortlist: AIA NSW Architecture Awards 2024 in the Residential Houses (New), Sustainable and EmAGN (Emgerging Architects) categories

Shortlist: Houses Awards - New Houses under 200m2

Selected to be included on the DPHI Good Design for Housing map.

Olive Tree House is a new urban infill project in the Newcastle beachside suburb of Stockton, subdividing one residential lot into two. As the name suggests, the house has been designed around landscape, an Olive Tree, Flowering Gum, Lilly Pilly and a Melaleuca are retained and a green roof has been added to the first floor.

This house has been designed to challenge the Australian norm of housing, it is half the size of an average Australian home, sits on a site half the size of an average site and provides flexible - rather than large spaces.

The house takes advantage of and cues from its location, situated within sight of Stockton beach and the Hunter river the house responds to the coastal location. Planned for the inevitable summer afternoons at the beach and winter afternoons on the deck the house has multiple entry points to allow for the house to open to catch the coastal breeze or the winter sun.

Orientated towards the north (street) and west (laneway) the house engages with the street, taking on a role of passive surveillance – now a thing of the past in our suburbs where privacy rules – and fosters the community already established in the suburb. The decision to orientate the house to the laneway allows for borrowed views into the laneway which make the site feel much larger than it really is.

By retaining all significant vegetation on site and using materials familiar to the typical miners cottages found throughout Newcastle the house sits comfortably in the established row of houses. It is humble in its Architecture while still providing a counter point to the project home typology so often favoured.

The planning of the house clearly responds to both its orientation and context. Focused around the Olive tree a raised deck connects the two living spaces. By pulling apart the plan winter sun filters deep into the living spaces and in the warmer months the deck connects the two internal living spaces, almost doubling the living space.

Internally the material palette shies away from the trend of all white interiors and take cues from the exterior; warm plywood linings counter cool concrete floors and offset colourful joinery and doors. The house feels like a home to live in, it has been designed for scuff marks and weathering, it is not precious. Every corner has been taken advantage of; built-in furniture allow for smaller rooms and more storage, a hallway to the guest toilet has a second function of doubling the size of the laundry.

The house is adaptable, a cupboard can be moved downstairs to provide a real third bedroom and make way for a compact study. Future bunk beds in the second bedroom will easily accommodate extended family. Hatches in the floors and walls allow the user to open and shut the house to let is breathe or receive heat as required.

It is a small house in which every metre works hard to provide quality living spaces.

Aboriginal Land: Worimi

Location: Stockton

Builder: Smart Additions

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Engineers

Hydraulic Engineer: Ross Engineers

Joinery: Huey Makes Joinery

Photography: Katherine Lu + Justin Aaron Studio

Project Details

Approval through Council: City of Newcastle

Status: Built

Completion date: 2022

Design, documentation: 12 months

Construction: 12 months

Gumtree House is a alterations and additions project in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. From the street the site is dominated by huge Sydney Eucalyptus, the renovation of the house orientated the house to the view of these trees and the harbour beyond. With nods to mid century architecture the exterior is clad in timber and an earthly material palette runs throughout.

The design of the house focused on a relationship to the existing context, the site is triangular with five neighbours to the north and east with the road and view to the south. The planning had to turn away from traditional ideas and find creative ways to let light in to southern facing rooms while providing shelter to southerly winds.

The house opens to the landscape and provides a much more meaningful conversation with the street and the landscape. In turn the inhabitants have a connection with the outside, a large overhead skylight, high level windows and multiple outdoor spaces to provide refuge from winds, sun and neighbours.

The house took cues from mid century design; the top floor took on a linear form so as not to dominate the street below. 

The material palette of the house is also influenced by mid century design and colours of the gum trees. Showing how calm and inviting a house can be when colour is used carefully.

Completed 2021

Photography: Murry Fredericks

Structural Engineer: Acor

Stormwater Engineer: Ross Engineers

In association with BTB Architecture

The project provides an exciting possibility to create THE HUB, a new multi-use commercial and community space, a new focus for the Maitland Cathedral precinct with connections to the Hunter River and High Street and integrating with the city’s pedestrian network.

The proposed adaptive reuse will provide a flexible multi-purpose facility, capable of serving a variety of functions for the community, special interest groups, local businesses, schools, Council and others.  The range of uses could include:

•  Gourmet food and produce markets, showcasing the Hunter Valley.

•  Café / brasserie style restaurant with terrace overlooking the new Cathedral Square.

•  Special events, concerts, lectures, film nights and similar events with 375 + capacity.

•  Historical displays, photographic and text panels in public areas, café and circulation spaces.

•  Community market days.

•  Historical Society meeting and administration space.

The design includes a restaurant kitchen with dry store and cool room.  Catering and furnishing for major events would be supplied from off site and delivered via the new loading bay.  The bar area to the side of the auditorium has space for its own cool room as well as drink fridges and display.  Also included are a box office / cloak room, store rooms and administration offices.

Toilet facilities have been provided on ground and upper floors to serve the maximum predicted population.  Ambulant and wheelchair accessible facilities are included.  Flexibility and diversity are paramount: the layout and circulation permits each use in the building to operate alone, or in conjunction with one or more other uses.

The design provides a dedicated mechanical plant room on the first floor, with screened enclosure for condenser units above.  The large volume and layout of the main hall also lends itself to energy efficient solutions and to full or partial natural ventilation.

The building will be fully wheelchair accessible. The dress circle will be served by a new glass enclosed lift and ramped walkways – with a possible link to the adjacent offices. 

The existing building has many remarkable features, including a memorable theatre space and proscenium.  The design retains most of the valuable historic fabric, but also makes several bold interventions – these contrast with the existing in a dramatic and memorable way.  The new gallery space along the western side of the auditorium is a grand top lit space, an ideal place for the display of large photographs and interpretive panels of Maitland’s past.

Project Details

Aboriginal Land: Wonnarua

Location: Maitland

In association with BTB Architecture Studio

The new Visitor Centre sits on the site of the historic former Rouse Hill House and Farm.  The design draws inspiration from the existing farm houses on site and directly references an existing visitor building. Internally the building aims to provide an environment appropriate for many uses including, ticket sales, information, audio visual, office areas and souvenir sales.

Despite a tight budget this building responds to its environment and the needs of the client without compromising the quality of the space or the design.

Project Details

Aboriginal land: Darug

Location: Rouse Hill

Completed while working at Paul Berkemeier Architects

Decades ago, it was commonplace to use front porches and balconies as interstitial spaces, spaces which connected with and were at the intersection of public and private space. Balconies and verandas were used as places to contemplate and watch the world go by, or chat to the neighbours as they returned from work or shopping. These spaces afforded a means of interacting with neighbours and the neighbourhood in general, a practice which has all but disappeared in today’s society. Newtown terrace is a response to this paradigm and looks to reinstate the balcony as a point of engagement, to reinstate the conversation between the residents and the neighbourhood.

A new cantilevered form suspends itself over the street, reintroducing private living to the public realm. The visibility of the extension and engagement with the street revisits the era when people sat on balconies or porches and chatted to neighbours as they passed by on their way home from work.  Internally the occupants have the ability to control their interaction by moving the spotted gum timber screens open or shut. Behind the timber screens are large glass sliding doors, which when fully open leave only the timber balustrade between bedroom and street, an act which transforms the room into one large bedroom balcony.

The completed renovation provides key additional spaces: a fourth bedroom, flexible study space and a renovated family bathroom, and a by-product of the cantilevered form is the shelter it provides for the new timber steps which connect the elevated living spaces of the ground floor to the rear courtyard.

However, the real achievement of the new form is the reinstating of the conversation between the neighbourhood and the occupants of the house.

Aboriginal Land: Gadigal

Location: Newtown

Builder: Highfield Building

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Engineers 

Hydraulic Engineer:  Ross Engineers

Joinery: Wilmont Joinery

Photography: Katherine Lu

Project Details

Approval through Council: City of Sydney

Status: Built
Completion date: 2019
Design, documentation: 18 months
Construction: 6 months

Garden House, situated in Sydney’s south west reconfigures an old brick bungalow to reorientate the house towards the rear garden.

A new living room, kitchen and main bedroom with ensuite take full advantage of their northern orientation and look directly onto the lush garden and pool area.

Internally the material palette stays light and minimal, externally darker colours are used to highlight the greenery of the surrounds. Exposed rafters and corrugated iron roofs give a nod to regional Australian design.

The siting and planning of Garden View House responded directly to the natural topography and existing interventions on site. The new L-shaped extensions occupies a previously terraces area and the pool has been sited to minimise excavation - utilising the natural fall of the site.

The new internal spaces orientate themselves to the north and existing well established terraced gardens. The garden is pulled in close to the house, seemingly always on the precipice of intruding into the internal spaces. The curved roof opens the house up to the huge Fig Tree which dominates the rear garden.

Responding to the site and the 5m fall from the back of the garden to the rear of the house, the extension and outdoor living spaces are terraces, following the natural topography of the site, allowing the occupants to explore and utilise the entire site with ease.

Materials used respond to the site in texture and colour, recessive dark colours are used at the base to enhance the view to the garden, greens referencing the garden are used where elements align with the garden and the curved roof becomes lighter once again as it reaches the sky.

Aboriginal Land: Cam-mer-ray-gal

Location: Lane Cove

Builder: Blueprint Projects (stage 1 - house and pool), Capital Building and Design (stage 2 - conversion of garage to granny flat)

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Engineers

Hydraulic Engineer: Ross Engineers

Joinery: International Kitcehns

Photography: Justin Aaron Studio


Project Details

Approval through Complying Development Certificate

Status: Built

Completion date: 2021

Design, documentation: 9 months

Construction: 12 months

The design of Fireplace Terrace was driven by the necessity to retain as much of the existing house as possible. By retaining the roof line, fireplace and much of the original floor space the renovation is efficient and cost effective.

A new bathroom and laundry are attached to the side of the house making use of a large and unused side setback and the new living space flows out onto a large deck. The slope of the site required an innovative way to connect internal and external living spaces, this was achieved through the construction of large bleacher steps, used for seating and general climbing by kids of all ages.

Aboriginal Country: Wangal + Gadigal

Location: Summer Hill

Builder: Direct Building Solutions

Structural Engineer: SDA Structures

Photos: Bastian Architecture (professional photos coming soon)


Project Details

Approval through Council: Inner West Council

Status: Built

Completion date: 20189

Design, documentation: 13 months

Construction: 8 months

A modern palette of materials was used and a large pop-up roof line was introduced to increase ceiling heights and modernise this 1980’s project home. The floor plan was reconfigured to take advantage or the northern street aspect and updated the floor plan for today’s style of living, joining previously separated living spaces to create an easy flowing family home.

Aboriginal Country: Darug

Location: Winston Hills



Builder: Wilmax Constructions

Structural Engineer: iStruct Consulting Engineers

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography + Bastian Architecture


Project Details

Approval through Council: City of Parramatta

Status: Built

Completion date: 2018

Design, documentation: 15 months

Construction: 8 months

This project is a case of doing little and making a big impact. Essentially a simple renovation it has had a huge impact on the occupiers of the building. The scope included demolishing two internal walls and constructing an internal wall and two external decks yet it transformed the internal layout of the house for more modern living.

Where the floor plan was once disjointed with many disconnected rooms the house now flows effortlessly from the front deck all the way to the backyard. The renovation was sympathetic to the history of the original house and maintains its relaxed character + detailing.

In the words of the client, the "house has been transformed from a traditional timber cottage with lots of small pokey rooms, into a much more free-flowing and open-planned home. It has really changed the way the space is used - far more relaxed and connected. The new front deck allows for both the front and rear gardens to be enjoyed. The home is far more welcoming with great street appeal'.

Aboriginal Country: Cammeraygal

Location: Naremburn



Builder: Owner Builder

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Engineers

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography


Project Details

Approval through Council: Willoughby Council

Status: Built

Completion date: 2016

Design, documentation: 6 months

Construction: 4 months

A new wing to the rear of this semi-detached house provides a more casual way of living for the owners. The extension allows light to filter into the new living space throughout the year and a light well in the centre of the house services the rooms of the original house.

The materials used in the extension bridge the gap between the old and new with traditional and contemporary materials sitting side by side.

Aboriginal Country: Gadigal

Location: Haberfield

Builder: Direct Building Solutions

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Studio

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography + Bastian Architecture

Project Details

Approval through Council: Inner West Council

Status: Built

Completion date: 2019

Design, documentation: 15 months

Construction: 8 months

Approved via a complying development certificate allowed this project to progress quickly and by-pass the council approvals process. The extension to an existing home in Turramurra saw the addition of a new sunroom and outdoor room to the rear and south of the home. Due to the orientation the roofs were lifted to allow for sunlight to penetrate onto the deck area in winter to allow year-round outdoor living.

The new sunroom uses a similar but more modern palette of materials to that of the existing house to tie it while maintaining its own identity. The flexibility of this room, with bi-fold doors across the width of the room and hidden fly screens allow the sunroom to open up and be part of the outdoor deck or closed off and used as an extension of the indoor living spaces.

Aboriginal Country: Durramurragal

Location: Turramurra

Builder: Sydney Outdoor Living

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Studio

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography

Project Details

Approval through Complying Development Certificate

Status: Built

Completion date: 2019

Design, documentation: 8 months

Construction: 5 months

A compact renovation to this semi-detached house in Haberfield opens the house to the garden and injects some modern fun into the house through the use of colour, curves and a big skylight + void over the dining area.

Due to the project being situated in the Haberfield Conservation Area the extension is, by design and council requirement, hidden from the street. This allows for a delightful surprise on entering enter the new extension having traveled through the traditional rooms of the front of the house.

This idea of reveal and surprise is heightened by the use of playful design elements not traditionally found in inter-war era semi-detached housing. Bright primary colours are used throughout and lots of light was brought into the space through a series of skylights and large openings.

Aboriginal Country: Gadigal

Location: Haberfield

Builder: Kestrel Building

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Studio

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography + Bastian Architecture

Project Details

Approval through Council: Inner West Council

Status: Built

Completion date: 2018

Design, documentation: 12 months

Construction: 5 months

This revitalization of an inner city worker's cottage aimed to open the space up + provide natural light and a direct connection to the outdoor area.

The renovations + additions took cue from this wall utilizing a variety of bricks throughout the extension. Recycled bricks sourced extended the remnant wall, adding texture and colour in an otherwise monochrome extension. New bricks weave through the project, beginning inside as the kitchen bench, wrapping along the length of the room as a ledge for artwork + modern essentials, snaking outside and bulging to form a BBQ bench before finally dipping down to create a long bench seat.

The hit + miss brick of the courtyard wall visually borrows space from the shared laneway beyond, while the brick on edge paving laid in a stack bond pattern, steps its way into the landscape blurring the edges between garden + courtyard.

The materiality of the bricks is contrasted by a folded white living/kitchen/dining space. The roof folds up to North providing light + ventilation while creating a sense of weightlessness which counteracts the solid brick base.

Aboriginal Country: Gadigal

Location: Annandale



Builder: Laycock Constructions

Structural Engineer: SDA Structures

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography


Project Details

Approval through Council: Leichhardt Council (now Inner West Council)

Status: Built

Completion date: 2014

Design, documentation: 12 months

Construction: 8 months

A renovation does not need to be expansive to make a big impact on a home + the lives of its occupants. Deck House underwent a mostly external renovation, opening up the back of the house onto a expansive large covered deck which now acts as the primary entertaining and living space for most of the year.

Aboriginal Country: Kuringai

Location: Pymble


Builder: Sydney Outdoor Lifestyle

Structural Engineer: Cantilever Engineers

Photography: Justin Aaron Photography

Project Details

Approval through Council: Kur-ring-gai Council

Status: Built

Completion date: 2016

Design, documentation: 9 months

Construction: 5 months