Quality, Recycle and Re-Use is what captures the essence of this award winning 1920’s solid brick renovation.
A wonderful collaboration with our clients Becky and Bob who had an infections enthusiasm and love for recycled products that informed the design by Peter Liddington of Liddington Architecture Studio.
The Skookom Design and Construct team worked with the constraints of a Heritage overlay and with much of the existing home unusable came the challenge to transform the spaces to cater for the owners and future generations to come.
The rescue was on, and another storey added to accommodate a main bedroom, ensuite, study & storage into and above the existing roof space to capture the city and water views. We did not anticipate one of Hobart’s worst floods while the roof was partially on and the windows still to be installed. Many tarps and a sleepless night found minimal damage.
In our client’s words
”Our renovation was a significant gut and rebuild as well as a second floor addition to our California bungalow house. We aimed for a reno that was comfortable and workable into our dotage. Ian recommended an architect who would deliver on our wishes. As seasoned renovators we braced ourselves for the ups and downs of the journey.
The overall design scheme which has been delivered consists of logical, spacious, streamlined, and attractive spaces. Indeed, the bathroom space in the Master Suite has won an award, in recognition of the clever configuration and streamlined finish to a multi-angled space.
The Skookom team honoured our wish to repurpose dismantled bricks and timber which they used to create our favourite space, the kitchen. We scraped paint off bricks to leave them exposed and used roof rafters to make a timber waterfall island bench and a barn door for the pantry.
Everywhere precision and high quality finishes have been delivered. Our ongoing input was sought on design and detail. For example, during the demolition phase, nooks and crannies were identified and brought to our attention by Jib, the foreman. Through consultation with Jib we incorporated these spaces into useful, hidden storage. When the rainstorm hit Hobart in May 2018, when our roof was off, a small section of ornate cornice was destroyed. With no replacement available on the market, Jib turned up a few days later with a new piece of cornice – he had created a mould and made new cornice. Jib and his team, in consultation with Ian, solved all the inevitable renovation challenges that emerged throughout the build. The attitude throughout was, think the problem through and come up with a workable and attractive solution as agreed by all. We are very happy with our ‘new’ home and grateful to the intelligent, hardworking and skilful Skookom team.
One of the most innovating elements of this renovation is the integration of old and new. For example, our very clever apprentice Thom with a furniture making background crafted the kitchen island bench, fridge panel and pantry door including the handle by reusing demolished old hardwood rafters. This created a great deal of warmth and character to the room. The new garage and front fence were constructed from bricks demolished from the renovation and results in the home remaining true to character.
Beck and Bob painstakingly stripped paint from the internal brickwork in the kitchen which is now an amazing place to cook and enjoy the company of close friends and family. Again more character, stunning result!
Reusing salvaged stained glass windows in the upper level, repurposing a dressing table into a beautiful bathroom vanity unit, and turning the old kitchen fireplace into a seat all added that element of surprise. Love it!
Photography: Brokenimage Creative
Architect: Liddington Architecture Studio
