DATE: 2007 | LOCATION:  Currumbin Waters, Gold Coast, QLD

Shane Denman Architects were approached to design a contemporary new family home.  The 1.5-acre sloping site had spectacular ocean and bush views and an abundance of natural vegetation and wildlife.  The Client wanted to demolish the existing pole home on the block that had been built back in the 1970s and build their brand new dream home.

 

With a wealth of design experience behind him, Shane realised early on in the conceptual phase that to totally demolish and rebuild on the sloping site would require substantial earthworks and site preparation as well as new retaining walls.  These works would involve losing some enormous established trees which were regularly used by the local koala population.  While the practice first and foremost aims to please their Clients they also have a high ethic of sustainability and green principles so numerous concept options were prepared for the Clients, some of them incorporating the existing structure which would minimise site works.

 

After several consultations with the Clients, they recognised that if they took Shane's ideas on board they could make full use of the existing house and still create their dream home without affecting the established surroundings.  They became enthusiastic about renovating rather than demolishing. 

 

Reusing materials such as original timber structural elements, timber cladding, floorboards, Colorbond roof and windows not only saved on the budget but created further significant environmental benefits by substantially reducing waste.

 

Since the renovation has been completed the Clients are very pleased with their new lifestyle and are amazed at their reduction in the use of heating and cooling in what is essentially the same house.  They are delighted with the overall amenity of the house, in particular the covered decks that they use for entertaining all year round.

 

More so they are happy that their dream home has been viably realised in a more sustainable way than planned with much less financial input than expected.