A fabulous new light-filled and light-footed abode for a family of four, all within the footprint of the original 115 square metre house. The designers and clients are incredibly proud of this super space-efficient and energy-efficient renovation project. You don’t get family homes much smaller, smarter and more sustainable than this!

The existing home was a prime candidate for knock-down rebuild. Instead the plan was to demonstrate that houses can be reused and upcycled. The brief was to turn it into a beautiful, liveable, energy efficient home for a family of four, with a study nook and second living space that could also function as guest sleeping.

By redesigning with solar passive principles, the brief was met: it is now a thermally efficient (6.8 stars, up from 3.6 stars), extremely airtight, and beautiful home that requires no gas connection and very little heating and cooling.