Luxury home extension

From duckling to swan, this renovation was a life-changing transformation for RedKem clients Matt and Kasey who started with a modest 1890s original Queenslander – three small bedrooms, a bathroom not large enough for a bath, basic kitchen space, small front verandah and rear deck with a single car garage underneath.

While the renovation involved major changes to the rear of the property, making efficient use of the slope to add an extensive kitchen and entertaining area downstairs with pool, the front of the home was kept largely intact in its original form, to stay true to character. The angled block made for not only a difficult design but also and extremely difficult build due to every wall in the new home being angled.

Significantly, the internal living space has increased from approximately 80sqm to an enormous 230sqm upstairs and 90sqm downstairs, which provides four times the size of the original internal living space with an additional two deck areas and pool. Key features include a large master parent retreat incorporating ensuite, walk-in-robe and office area with kitchenette – this retreat then opens to a large deck overlooking the pool. A former bedroom upstairs was transformed into a larger, better appointed bathroom for the remaining bedrooms. Downstairs, a new kitchen entertaining area flows beautifully into the pool and entertaining area.

A number of special features make this renovation a standout including:

  • An infinity edge pool aligned just above the neighbour’s rooftop.
  • Minimalist, sleek PITT DRUM gas burners installed directly into the kitchen stone benchtop.
  • Custom black polished concrete floors for the kitchen and large entertainment deck.
  • Solid timber stairs leading one floor to another.
  • Floor to ceiling, black-framed glass stacker doors hidden from view when open, by sliding into a wall cavity.
The addition, while contemporary and minimalist in design has been kept to simple lines with few decorative elements presenting a strong architectural statement juxtaposed with the original bungalow at the front – in our view effectively marrying beautifully the old with the new.