Copa Came In From The Cold

Project Details

This natural extension of the existing geometry towards the pool was repeated again towards the south to provide the additional space needed for a bedroom suite.

The original cladding was no longer available so retaining every piece that was removed so that extended walls could be blended in was critical to avoiding the waste and cost of recladding the entire home. Strategic walls were clad with a new vertical profile board that contrasts nicely against the wider. Horizontal and more traditional weatherboards.

All windows were replaced with certified Passive House windows with double glazing with lower heat gain values. The air tight, inward opening windows are key to the thermal performance along with the provision of insulation to all walls, roofs and floors; both new and existing.

Brief

The clients were seeking a home that was “fit for purpose as we age.” While far from old, they were wanting to set themselves up for future decades by making all the changes required now.

This included accommodating the extended family, maximising the connection to the surrounding bush and pool all while fixing the ever-present Australian condition of ‘never been colder’ in winter.

Solution

Celebrating the dramatic form of the original design was a key strategy, not only to control costs but also to limit waste.

The removal of a poorly conceived bedroom allowed for the kitchen to visually extend through a casual living space to a voluminous outdoor room with a northerly aspect, connection to majestic trees and overlooking the existing interestingly shaped pool to the west.

This natural extension of the existing geometry towards the pool was repeated again towards the south to provide the additional space needed for a bedroom suite. To battle against the strong roof forms, especially when the driveway twists down from above roof level would have been awkward at best. The compromise was to have limited northern aspect for solar panels, an issue further compounded through the tall trees to the north.

The original cladding was no longer available so retaining every piece that was removed so that extended walls could be blended in was critical to avoiding the waste and cost of recladding the entire home. Strategic walls were clad with a new vertical profile board that contrasts nicely against the wider. Horizontal and more traditional weatherboards.

All windows were replaced with certified Passive House windows with double glazing with lower heat gain values. The air tight, inward opening windows are key to the thermal performance along with the provision of insulation to all walls, roofs and floors; both new and existing.

Hear directly from the owners:

Team
Builder: Lou Projects
Photography by Jonathan Cohen Photography
Windows: Logikhaus
Cladding: Weathertex

Awards
2023 Sustainability Awards Winner: Highly Commended Single Dwelling-Alteration 

Client Quote
“Thank you to all involved, we love living in this comfortable house. The thermal improvement of the house has been extraordinary.
Whereas before, the wood stove had to burn 24/7 in winter to make the house bearable, we now get away with a blast of RCAC heat in the early mornings and evenings in the winter.
In the summer it is just wonderful to sit on the new deck with the cool south easterly breeze blowing through.”

Media
In this Evitat Webinar with Envirotecture directors Talina and Andy  (Ep.021 | Healthy Homes Made Simple Learn from the Passive House Design experts), you can also hear from “Copa came in from the cold” homeowner Deb about this retrofit project as a featured Case Study (from approximately 22 minute mark).