The Establishment

The unique climate of Darwin and its effect on the comfort of the people that live here has always presented architects and builders with both challenges and opportunities. Housing in Darwin can be classified into two eras, pre‐cyclone, and post‐cyclone. The cyclone is Cyclone Tracy, which on Christmas Eve 1974 destroyed Darwin, levelling most of its houses. Precyclone houses were in large part designed with the climate in mind and were built with appropriate orientation, adequate shading, and windows located for light and ventilation.

After Cyclone Tracy, the Darwin populace developed an understandable fear of cyclone damage and in response to this, the architectural landscape underwent a dramatic change. Houses built postcyclone were predominately constructed of masonry or pre‐cast concrete with little thought given to climatic comfort. Housing styles mimicked those built in southern centres and in no way responded to Darwin’s tropical climate.

The original house was brimming with 1980's opulence and grandeur, but required 'territorisation' to enable it to take advantage of Darwin’s tropical lifestyle. Central to the brief from the clients was a request for improved natural airflow and light. The owners of the property saw the home’s potential and delivered La Perouse the task of renovating each room on all three levels of the home. Joinery, flooring, lighting, and fittings were all updated while working within the existing footprint and preserving the home’s architectural integrity.

The street appeal of the home was compromised by a lacklustre entryway. The original entry was a standard sized painted door surrounded by that icon of the 1980s – glass bricks. This whole space was demolished and replaced with a 1200mm wide solid hardwood feature door framed with louvres and fixed glass panels. This new grand entrance not only creates a great first impression but has turned this previously dark area into a welcoming, light‐filled space.

The grand entrance doesn't stop at the entry door. A major feature of the house is the imposing, curved marble staircase that leads to the two upper levels. More 1980’s glass bricks dominated the stairway and were inhibiting natural light and airflow. Responding to the clients’ request for light and ventilation, Daniel removed the glass bricks and designed curved windows and louvre features that
open the space and flood the house with much needed natural light and cool breezes. This large expanse of glass also provides an elegant focal point from the entrance way and into the adjoining indoor and outdoor living areas.

This transformation was not easily achieved! Creating a perfectly symmetrical, bespoke, curved window and louvre feature when working within the “givens” of an existing structure is no mean feat. Daniel was fortunate to have the assistance of his 90‐year‐old grandfather’s surveying skills: the result, millimetre perfect!

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The design brief included the remodelling of the outdated kitchen, dining and living spaces into interconnected, flowing zones linking to the outdoor entertaining area. The family wanted a space where they could cook, eat, hang out and entertain in. The restored kitchen, living and dining zones now flow seamlessly into one another and into the tropical gardens, offering views to the entertaining area and pool.

The glamorous 21st century kitchen lies at the heart of this interconnected space. The original bland and boxy 1980’s kitchen was completely reinvented with contemporary designer features including a four‐metre boomerang‐shaped island bench with waterfall ends and a pop of timber veneer on the island upstand. The adjoining butler’s pantry contains a sink and dishwasher and is almost as functional as another kitchen with ample space for storing kitchen appliances and as a place to prep, cook and clean up. This allows the host to enjoy their night’s entertaining without the intrusion of mess.

The design of the previous outdoor area was not conducive to enjoying the Territory lifestyle. The old pavers were uneven from repeated heavy rains and the shade sail provided limited protection from the elements. This was an uninviting space that was underutilised. After demolishing the existing outdoor area, Daniel constructed a 95 square metre truncated skillion outdoor structure lined with varnished, marine grade plywood. The addition of large format granite tiles to this area provides a luxurious yet practical surface and an ideal flow between indoor and outdoor living. This newly created space is spacious, vibrant, and welcoming, which is synonymous with Territory living.

One of the standout achievements of the renovation is the updating of the tired and outdated bathrooms. In typical 1980’s style, the bathrooms were a jumble of marble tile surfaces, spa baths and oversized cabinets and sinks. It was definitely time to welcome these outdated spaces into the modern era. The new bathrooms feature straight, clean lines, uncluttered counter spaces and simple
colour palates with neutral tones.

 

La Perouse Homes is proud of what has been achieved with this renovation. With regular client contact, the team kept the project moving and the client happy. Trades flowed effortlessly in and out to ensure deadlines were kept while achieving the maximum quality output. Never ones for compromise, Daniel and Genaye undertook this renovation with respect and admiration for the
design. A good renovation finds the balance between old and new. Good renovation creates a new experience while keeping the essence of the previous design. The attention to detail lavished on this home by La Perouse has turned this lacklustre 1980’s house into a sophisticated family residence that acknowledges, respects and lives in the unique Darwin environment.

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