Betty House | Josh Mulford Architects

This fresh revitalisation to the classic ‘ex–govie’ provides an example of a high–quality sustainable alternative to the often large and expensive knock–down rebuilds in the Canberra suburbs.

The key move that unlocked the potential of the house was relocating the kitchen to the centre of the house, addressing the formal nature of the spaces and becoming the beating heart of the house. Working within a tight budget, this move allowed a 3 bedroom + 1 bathroom house to be internally reconfigured to a 4 bedroom + 2 bathroom house without extending the building footprint in any way, creating the maximum effect with an economy of moves.

The interior celebrates the simple joy that lies within assembly, craftsmanship, and timeless materials. Although contemporary in nature, the “new” subtly stitches and blends into the existing, almost as though it’s always been there.