Kensington House

A lifestyle update for a family downsizing to spend more time together.

A young family purchased a 1970s red brick home, driven by a desire to live more simply. Underpinned by solid bones, the renovation was a joyous exercise in restraint.

 

 

Internally the entry level was re-configured to house a foyer/mud room, generous open kitchen, living, dining and a parent’s bedroom/bathroom. Existing structural slabs were exposed, cut and polished for a terrazzo-like floor finish. Two skylights, a timber screen and a fine timber and steel balustrade add light and detail to the updated entry sequence.

Downstairs, oversized rooms were re-configured to create three equal-sized spacious bedrooms, a study, rumpus, bathroom and laundry.

Aside from a new roof, the addition of skylights and a neatening of the front parapet, the other major external changes were a new slimline aluminium balustrade and white timber pergola to a broken-down balcony and new paint.

Existing timber and aluminium windows in poor condition were replaced with new white timber windows. Where window sizes and sill locations were changed, and the existing bricks could not be matched, similar bricks were used, revealing the history of the house.

Carefully chosen finishes and fittings, such as tiles and light fittings, were selected with costs and quality firmly in mind. The affordable detailing and materiality of the built-in joinery, in blue, green and neutral colours, allowed generous fit outs throughout the home.

Sitting within stunning gardens lovingly landscaped by our clients, this house is going to be a great family home for many years to come.

More with less.

Kensington House Gallery

Project info	Details
Team	Sam Crawford, Jarad Grice, Christine Guan, Justin Pak
Builder	SQ Projects
Consultants	Structural Engineer – Structure Consulting Engineers Landscape Architect – Hugh Burnett Landscape Architects Private Certifier – BC Australia Surveyor – CMS Surveyors Quantity Surveyor – QS Plus Joiner – Husk & Co
Council	Randwick City Council
Photographer	Brett Boardman
Published	habitusliving
Completion	2024

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