Balmain East Architectural Extension & Renovation

Transformation of a 170-Year-Old Sandstone Cottage into a Luxury Multi-Level Home

This architecturally designed project involved the transformation of a 170-year-old sandstone cottage into a stunning luxury home, complete with a lap pool, subfloor wine cellar and gym. An additional three-level living area wing, connected by a covered walkway, was constructed, along with a separate street-front sandstone shop with an apartment above.

We were contracted to supply the carpentry and demolition labour for this project, as well as site supervision at various stages.

Works included the careful demolition of the existing cottage’s roof and floor structure, rebuilding the entire floor structure, and constructing a new conventional roof with a bedroom and ensuite within the loft space. We also completed all cladding and associated works.

A 25-metre-long connecting walkway was built between the stone cottage bedroom wing and the new living area wing, using recycled hardwood ironbark posts and beams. Glazing channels were routed into the posts to create seamless, frameless glass between the structural members.

We constructed the roof framing for the new living area wing, as well as the new two-level street-front shop and apartment, along with all associated carpentry works.

The complete fitout of the project included installing all internal and external doors, architraves, skirting boards, door and window hardware, lining boards to the eaves and raked ceilings, and fitting all bathroom accessories and vanities. We also laid American Walnut tongue-and-groove floorboards throughout.

This was another project that gave me great job satisfaction and an opportunity to showcase my skills, knowledge and experience.