the rear two-storey extension sustainable Story: Philip O’Brien renovation This solar passive Afeature of the Australian housing boom of too much character and I could see what it meant renovation uses the the past decade has been the popularityto the family emotionally.’ of the ‘knock-down and rebuild’. It’s Older houses, such as these, are often criticised floor plan, foundations an option which allows homeowners to for their poor orientation and insulation, he explains. and timber frame of an remain in familiar surroundings and to avoid the‘But, in many ways, older buildings set an original beach cottage costs of stamp duty and moving house. example for us today because the only way to But a more environmentally-friendly choice is tocreate sustainable housing is to use less and to use as the base for a two- renovate rather than demolish an existing home,it wisely. They built houses small then, they built storey addition. according to builder Craig Riddle, of Living Greenthem without using a lot of energy and transport and Designer Homes on the NSW Central Coast. And without all the items that need further maintenance he’s done just that with a beach cottage whichsuch as air conditioners, inverters and modems.’ recently won the 2018 HIA GreenSmart Australian So, his solution was a renovation which used Renovation/Addition Project award. the floor plan, foundations and timber frame of the The original cottage in MacMasters Beach on theoriginal cottage to which he added a two-storey Central Coast, was a much-loved home which hadextension at the rear. been in the one family for 50 years. However a new‘We had to replace both roof and ceiling because generation needed a residence with more room the originals weren’t structurally sound,’ Craig says. but one which was also comfortable and energy-‘But the existing framework and cypress pine floors efficient. were able to be retained which meant that we could ‘When I first saw the house, I knew instantly thatinstall new roofing, cladding and windows to match it was not a knock-down job,’ Craig says. ‘It hadthe extension.’ 24 HOUSING NOVEMBER 2018 PROJECTS