Additions in historic Colonel Light Gardens

A certificate of merit in the category of "Environmental & Energy Efficient Design" was awarded for this project in the BDA Design Excellence awards.

... Drawing Plan View	... Drawing Side Elevation	... Drawing Rear Elevation
... Photo Rear	... Photo Inside	... Photo Bathroom

The owner required additional living space, a new kitchen, bathroom and laundry, still 3 bedrooms along with a design that suited the existing home, with tall ceiling heights being important. A budget of about $90,000 to $95,000 was discussed. Additions and alterations to this residence had to comply with Mitcham Council's specific historical requirements for the Colonel Light Gardens precinct. The external appearance of the alterations were required to compliment the original home, with specific reference to roof pitch, materials used and colours chosen.

This design proposal in the form presented, was readily accepted by the Heritage Advisor to Council. The roof pitch is as near as practical to the original. External walls are of face red brickwork, the timber original styled and detailed windows, along with the carport style, complete the overall effect.The front of the site faces east, ample northern sunlight is available as the driveway width is unobstructed. Additions at the rear needed protection from the heat of summer afternoon sun. Neighbouring properties and existing trees did not present any concerns. The site is level and there is enough open ground to allow for unrestricted breezes to assist in cooling and ventilation.

Demolition of existing rear lean-to rooms, demolition of the double garage and also the rainwater tank was required due to the length of the additions. Access from the existing house into the rear additions was proposed via the former bathroom. An existing bedroom was a viable location for the new bathroom, leaving enough spare width for a wall and wardrobe space for an adjoining new bedroom. The original kitchen was very small. The new kitchen was proposed directly to the rear of the old kitchen so that the dining space could have northern solar access. The old kitchen could then be the pantry plus some room remaining for a wardrobe to the second bedroom.

Plans, specifications and engineering required to take into consideration that the building work would be undertaken by an owner/builder and not involve undue complexity of construction. Budget estimate figures for the 94 m sq. additions were estimated to be $92,500 - $96,600 based upon the owner/builder doing some of the work, along with technical assistance from an engineer friend.