The project upgrades internal finishes, building fabric and energy efficiency to bring the house up to contemporary standards of liveability and amenity, while working within modest scope and budget constraints.

The project consists of minor changes to the internal layout, a new kitchen and wet areas, refurbishment to bedrooms and living spaces, and the introduction of skylights to draw light into south‑facing rooms.

The kitchen reverts from a previous open‑plan arrangement to a semi‑closed configuration, referencing kitchens typical of the 1960s. This approach provides better separation between living and service spaces while concealing kitchen clutter from main living areas. Styling draws on mid‑century modernist interiors, using pale‑coloured joinery panels contrasted with timber elements that extend into wet areas.

Floors throughout consist of Karndean vinyl planks, chosen for their warmth, durability, low maintenance requirements and hypo‑allergenic qualities — well suited to a family home.

Building fabric upgrades included underfloor and ceiling insulation, new roof decking with Anticon, and new wall insulation. Double‑glazed windows and a decentralised heat‑recovery system increased the home’s energy efficiency rating from 1.5 stars to over 7 stars.

New bifold doors replace existing windows to establish a more direct connection to the rear yard through a stepped deck and formal lawn. This repositions the primary outdoor connection away from the laundry — a typical condition of houses from this era.

A photovoltaic system with battery storage further reduces reliance on the grid.

There is a growing push to reconsider community perceptions of housing size in the ACT, aiming to reduce demolition waste while addressing affordability and environmental impact. This project demonstrates what can be achieved by working with existing housing stock on modest budgets, highlighting that knock‑down rebuilds should not always be the default response when seeking to improve liveability and amenity.