Along the longer length of the property boundary, the house has a 6-metre-high retaining wall, which provides good privacy and the opportunity to create a lively, colourful garden that integrates into the interior living spaces. 

As such, a series of extensive garden views were opened into the existing walls to extend the lines of sight and bring the outdoor areas in.

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To create a sense of arrival while providing space to park cars and a larger living area, the front section of the house was extended out with a new steel, raw brick and glass section.

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Now, the front yard is zoned into car parking and a private front lawn using a horizontal raw brick wall. 

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Interiors were kept simple to focus on looking out to the surrounding lush landscaping and abundance of natural light.

The upstairs was redesigned to accommodate the new master bedroom, study, entertainment spaces and future room for children. 

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The overall exercise has resulted in a simple modern intervention that integrates all aspects of the site, gardens, retaining walls and the recycling of the existing building structure.

All in all, it is a textbook example of good tropical and green architecture. 

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