"Similarly, the home's classic weatherboard sidings were extended on the new facades and the pool-side buildings," he says. "New doors opening to the side lawn were set to the height of existing doors, creating continuity in this way as well."
The interior was also substantially reconfigured at the rear by the architect. A laundry was re-sited and a spacious, open-plan room created.
"This room encompasses the kitchen, family room and an informal dining space," says Abela. "This area already had a drop in ceiling height from the lofty front rooms. This demarcation made a logical departure from the classic to modern spaces."
Rachael Buxton provided an interior design transformation that both heightened the character of the existing rooms and also the aesthetic balance of the new, open-plan kitchen-dining-family room.
Essentially, the owners wanted the interiors to be comfortable and contemporary, in keeping with the needs of a young family, says Buxton.
"In the formal living room, ceiling-to-floor drapes accentuate the height of the space and provide visual interest," she says. "Touches of green in the decor, a favourite colour of the owner, are found in the wall hues, the chartreuse ceramics on display and in the cushions."