Ngunnawal
Australian Capital Territory
Hughes Central is an internal reconfiguration of a typical 1960s double-brick home that demonstrates how existing housing stock can be fundamentally improved without increasing its footprint. Rather than extending, the project reworks what was already there – refining planning, unlocking northern light and significantly improving environmental performance.
The original kitchen and service rooms blocked connection to garden and living areas. By consolidating the laundry, powder room and pantry into two central service pods, the northern edge was released for open family living. This has fundamentally changed how the family can spend time together with greater connection to the sunlight and outdoors.
Improved comfort has delivered tangible health benefits, demonstrating that thoughtful internal renovation can achieve more – with less.
The redesign of our house has opened up the living spaces, creating a sense of flow and connectedness to the natural world outside. An aesthetically beautiful kitchen island bench acts as the centrepiece, around which we love to entertain friends and family.  The warmth and practicality of our utility areas make these spaces enjoyable to use.  Behind the scenes, significant energy efficiency enhancements have resulted in improved levels of comfort throughout the year. Intentional material and appliance choices have led to improvements in the respiratory health of our family. We couldn’t be happier to live in such beautifully crafted spaces.