Embark on a Journey of Transformation: Trish and Tom's Blue Mountains Renovation

Trish and Tom's decision to embrace the challenge of transforming a neglected 1970's brick veneer house in the Blue Mountains into a masterpiece reflects their passion for artistry and sustainable living. Equipped with newfound knowledge from attending our earth building workshops, they embarked on an ambitious journey to turn their fixer-upper into a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Our design brief was clear: enhance natural light in living spaces and foster a stronger connection to nature. This vision was realized by reorienting the layout, creating an expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area bathed in northern sunlight. The renovation included lifting the corners of the western deck roof to capture more winter sun and extending the eastern deck for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining.

The southern half of the house now accommodates bedrooms, a guest/study room, and a bathroom, optimizing comfort for the inhabitants. A newly defined entrance, adorned with opposing curved earthen walls, welcomes visitors and guides them through the transformed space. A strategically placed staircase doubles as a light well, infusing the artist studio below with natural illumination.

Sustainability was paramount in material selection, with weatherboards replaced by breathable lime rendered MgO board and light straw clay infill, complying with BAL40 bushfire regulations. Internal walls feature Steiko wood fibre insulation and clay plaster, creating a vapour permeable system that enhances thermal comfort. The incorporation of cob walls further improves air quality and regulates indoor temperatures, ensuring a cozy environment year-round.

Not content with just one transformation, we replicated the design ethos in the secondary dwelling below, utilizing a curving earthen wall to delineate spaces. This area serves as their testing ground before they embark on renovating the main house.

From its humble beginnings as a disconnected structure, the residence has blossomed into a beautiful earthen home that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. As Trish and Tom embark on the journey of transforming their home, starting with the guest accommodation, we eagerly anticipate joining them in their muddy endeavours. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming workshops as we celebrate their remarkable journey of reinvention.