Good rippling out - why the impact of a renovation project matters to us

We’ve recently moved into Deck with a House in Moorooka - it’s been interesting to see, first-hand, the effect of a renovation on my own family.

Renovating our own home has definitely given new insight into what it’s like to be a client - dealing with the Builder, worrying about cash flow or variations, managing the process, trying to save costs, organising landscaping, moving in-and-out etc. I know this will make us better and more sympathetic Architects moving forward!

Designing my own place filled me with choice anxiety to be honest. Should I settle for the pragmatic? Should I push the design boundaries? Would I be judged by friends and visitors? Am I not being wise if I’m not making this project the studio’s design manifesto? In a way, I needed to listen to our own advice - make considered, calcaulted choices step-by-step, and trust in our own decision-making as we step through.

We did consider a new build at some point, but the build cost would double. A blank sheet would have allowed a vastly superior outcome but it wasn’t an option for us. When we opened up the walls during the renovations, we were amazed to see the condition and workmanship in the timber frames - studs were individually checked into each base and top plate, for example. It made me appreciate the love and effort that went into the build, even though the original design was so austere.

Celebrating its impact

The deck has been a game-changer. We’re there morning and evening - the family thoroughly enjoying being related to nature. This is not just feeling more ‘planted’ in life - just being recharged to and after work makes a big difference.

Going for a high deck roof means feeling like we’re in the sky, but the trade-off is that the mid-afternoon sun can be uncomfortable. The magic starts in the evening and we find ourselves secluding in the main house for a time, and coming out when it’s sufficiently cool.

We keep joking that the rest of the house has gone from one star to three-and-a-half, or maybe four! Separate bathrooms, a guest space in the bottom level, a space for toys to be stashed, new screened louvres making openings safe, and much improved storage has all brought about a sense of sanity in the home. We can now comfortably and confidently welcome guests to visit and stay. Whereas before we could perhaps have 6 or 8 over for a cramped dinner, we feel we now have capacity to host bigger gatherings with multiple families, perhaps with 20 or even 30 present. If a friend or family needs a place to stay, we are ready to help.

Most importantly, the little one is thriving. Bath times are no longer a fight. There are new opportunities to play - in the Play Room, on the Deck, plus opportunities to play outside and in the garden.

Final thoughts

Yes, the process has been drawn out and living amongst a renovation has been hard, and costs are always intimidating. But when I see her play and live in the space, it brings everything into perspective.

Knowing what our renovation has done for us, it gives new motivation to bring about the same life-giving change for clients and families in the future.