Timber House

A cherished 1970s family home reimagined for contemporary sustainable living

With its original timber ceilings and clerestory windows, this charming 1970s home, originally designed by Harkin & Ziersch Architects from Melbourne, no longer matched the way the family lived. The redesign kept the existing structure at the heart of the project, introducing new work only where it unlocked better planning, natural light and everyday ease. Clerestory windows were restored and added to gently illuminate the living spaces, while new timber framed openings link the interior to its leafy surrounds. Beneath the main house, a new garage and workshop sit behind a solid in situ concrete wall that provides privacy and forms a strong, grounded entry.

The transformation unfolded in three carefully sequenced stages, allowing the family to remain living at home throughout the multi‑year build. A self‑contained lower level was tucked beneath the main house to support guests or multi‑generational living, before a new master suite and the renewed communal heart completed the picture. Working closely with the client, a joiner and owner‑builder, the design was resolved through finely crafted built‑in elements, from cabinetry and shelving to integrated seating nooks that make everyday living feel effortless. It is a home where the original character is not simply preserved, but sharpened and extended through detail, craftsmanship and a calm material palette that rewards a closer look.