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THE ULTIMATE RENOVATION TRANSFORMING HOMES AND LIFESTYLES Upon first glance, it’s hard to believe this striking home wasn’t newly built from scratch. Instead, this is the result of a seamless and striking renovation by Blint Design + Construction, which has breathed new life into the home and provided the clients with a range of modern conveniences. The clients’ brief was to create more space to accommodate their children growing older and staying at home longer, as well as a senior family member moving into the family home. They wanted to adapt the house to meet the family’s changing needs, rather than sell up and move. Blint Design + Construction designed and constructed the renovation. Ensuring the original Californian bungalow façade was retained, the company renovated the interior to create a large, spacious living area with a contemporary design. One of their very experienced designers, Tim Roberts, worked with the clients to create a design that met the brief and delivered many environmental extras. Roberts took inspiration from European designers who don’t designate specific rooms but build a space so that it can be adapted to different needs as family circumstances change. As a result, the home was built so that it can adjust and grow with the clients’ family. The front three rooms were retained and fully renovated, then more than 200m² of extra living space was added upstairs and at ground level, with an extra 100m² of outdoor living space. A huge entertaining area, state-of-the-art media centre, modern kitchen, concealed appliances, outdoor entertaining area, three-car garage and a contained apartment within the house were also included in the design. The back room spans a large, open space, so the upper storey required an efficient structural design. The original house was an older-style residence and was dark and musty, so it required more light and air ventilation, which was achieved by the addition of picture windows and large windows, as well as skylights. At the top of the stairwell the skylight can be opened, creating a vacuum so hot air escapes and cool air circulates through the house. The designer also focused on environmental design. As well as the opening skylight, passive solar energy has been incorporated into the design, with the morning winter sun entering the house from the north east, and the use of large eaves to protect the house from the west. All windows have double glazing and the house is zoned into separate areas that can be isolated for maximum efficiency when heating or cooling. There is a bladder system for water storage under the decks and grey water is used in the toilets. Established nearly 40 years ago by Ron Blint, Blint Design + Construction specialises in customised designs, project management and the construction of new homes, extensions and renovations. The company works closely with its clients to create exclusive designs that reflect clients’ needs, and takes care of all planning permits and approvals with local councils. Specialist builders in the Bayside and southern areas of Melbourne, Blint Design + Construction has been a member of the HIA for 25 years, winning multiple awards. The business builds 60–80 homes a year. CONTACT |
