This old shack was formerly owned by a beloved character in the seaside suburb of Coledale, and seemed to embody his character within it. Neighbours were relieved when it became evident the cottage would not be demolished and curiosity grew as the new forms took shape. The new owners with their two young kids embraced ideas of authenticity and vibrancy, and sought an unpretentious house, economical in size with strong connections to the escarpment.

Within a tight budget, this project set out to rekindle the old cottage, peeling back a few layers and accepting its limitations, with the architectural focus on a new addition to the streetfront. This new living area acts like a periscope for the old house, capturing the northern sunlight, sea breezes and impressive escarpment views, while acting as a social interchange between family and community.

To retain the old house was the first of many decisions that prioritised environmental sustainability. The internal layout was reconfigured to be light and airy with the use of many second-hand components, including windows, doors, bathtub, terracotta tiles and light fittings. Low-tox finishes and sealers were used throughout. The new addition follows a similar material palette, with recycled tallowwood floors, timber structure, spotted gum doors and windows, and cypress pine cladding to match the old.

Construction of the new addition was partially built offsite, with the walls and roof fabricated as panels in a workshop and craned into place in two days.

Material Used:
1. External walls - Cypress cladding, double log cabin profile, painted in Resene ‘Lustracryl’
2. Doors/windows - by Ikkyu Joinery, in spotted gum hardwood, finish in Cutek oil
3. Internal walls - Plasterboard, painted in Resene ‘Zylone’
4. Internal Floor - T+G hardwood in recycled Tallowwood 
5. Kitchen cabinets - Wisa Formply and Big River Armourpanel
6. Benchtops - Recycled hardwood island, stainless steel sink bench