The challenge

Three separate parts of the project had to come together as one complete home, rather than feeling like an extension and studio had simply been added to the original house.

• Carrying floor levels, finishes and materials consistently from the existing home into the new work
• Structural and roof framing for raked ceilings reaching over 4 metres
• Selecting an external finish with the appearance of timber and lower ongoing maintenance
• Sequencing the renovation of the existing home alongside construction of the extension and studio

The build

The rear extension was built to Jodie Dang Architects' design, with raked ceilings reaching over 4 metres at their highest point.

Ceiling height like that is decided at the start or not at all, with the roof framing, wall heights, window positions and structure all designed around it.

That gives a living area that feels much larger than its footprint, with the higher windows bringing natural light deeper into the home.

Externally, the extension was finished in Cemintel cladding with a timber-look profile, giving it the warmth and appearance of timber with far less ongoing maintenance in Sydney conditions.

The existing home was renovated alongside the extension and studio, with floor levels, finishes and materials carried throughout so each part of the property feels connected.

The result

The new living area is the room the house didn't have: tall, full of light, and open to the rear of the property. The separate studio adds another usable space without taking anything away from the main home.

And the original half of the house no longer feels like the older half.