The Yugambeh people, specifically the Kombumerri and Tulgigin clans
Queensland
Gold Coast and Northern Rivers
Old Dog New Tricks House does a lot with a little.
A youngish couple purchased a tired 1980s home (the old dog), and
approached us with an ambitious brief to comprehensively renovate to make the
home their own (the new tricks). The new house needed to be robust, adaptable,
relaxed, and functional for a growing family.
The existing brick veneer house had poor thermal performance, poor orientation,
low ceilings and a corner block that meant 6m setbacks on two sides. With a
limited budget, our goal was to create a home that would meet the needs of the
client’s family whilst retaining as much of the existing building as possible
and contributing positively to the neighbourhood.
The climate of southeast Queensland allows for lush subtropical vegetation, and the landscape is an integral part of the design strategy for privacy, beauty, and the creation of a microclimate.
Old Dog New Tricks House adopts a disciplined approach to renewal, prioritising retention over replacement to deliver a generous, climate-responsive family home. Its unfenced garden offers a gesture of openness, contributing positively to the streetscape while maintaining a modest scale.
Strategic interventions improve flow, thermal comfort and liveability without dramatic expansion. Through measured spatial interventions and landscape decisions, the project elevates and enhances its context, offering a considered model for resource-conscious suburban transformation.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Old Dog New Tricks House adopts a disciplined approach to renewal, prioritising retention over replacement to deliver a generous, climate-responsive family home. Its unfenced garden offers a gesture of openness, contributing positively to the streetscape while maintaining a modest scale.
Strategic interventions improve flow, thermal comfort and liveability without dramatic expansion. Through measured spatial interventions and landscape decisions, the project elevates and enhances its context, offering a considered model for resource-conscious suburban transformation.
EmAGN Project Award shortlist, Sustainability shortlist
We love the ease of living in this light, calm and open home.Â
I love working at the kitchen island or washing up at the sink being able to watch our daughter play on the deck or living room.
The design makes the most of the elevated position, capturing beautiful views and natural light throughout the day and across all seasons.Â
The deck functions as an additional living space, providing shade and a welcome retreat from the SEQ sun while helping keep both levels cool.Â
Well-placed louvre windows enhance ventilation, and clever storage keeps the visible surfaces clear and available.