Robust materials such as timber and concrete were implemented to age well over time and complement the existing interior spaces that featured timber parquetry flooring and timber clad ceilings.

In the kitchen the palette of blackbutt timber benchtops and shelves, eucalyptus green cabinetry, and grounding terracotta tiles provide a warmth and richness that echoes the natives of the Australian bush. The finely detailed timber overhead shelves allow the owner’s to curate the display of the kitchen and provides a sense of lightness and patterning to the interior.

The use of timber is carried through to all areas of the interior. Large timber thresholds frame existing openings, a bookshelf is inserted into a previously internalised window, the walk-in-robe picks up the fine timber detailing of the kitchen shelves, and bathroom mirror cabinets are framed with timber.

Economical tiles are used in the bathrooms. In the shared bathroom, a datum line is established with the top of the bath where a tray of forrest green tiles stops to create a heavy base, used as a spatial device to make the space feel larger than it actually is.

This fresh revitalisation to the classic ‘ex-govie’ provides an example of a high-quality sustainable alternative to the often large and expensive knock-down rebuilds in the Canberra suburbs.