What was the rationale for having the extension down that end? Views or ease of construction or something else. It looks very weird and wondering if there’s a reason behind it.

The rationale was because the living and outdoor entertaining spaces were already down that end, the large verandah also has the best views.

But yes agreed it’s odd to try to build onto an octagon.

I would think that the complicated octagon roof line would be difficult to add into. So why can’t you place the extension in the middle of the two octagons?? Having access into the existing verandas from new extension. Could also have a deck from new extension elongated the extension even further. The extension could be a simple rectangle with a gable roof independent from the octagon roof lines.

Which direction and from which rooms are the best views? Looking at the roof squaring off the Octagone wouldn’t be that difficult.

Examples

The best views are to the north (ie out from the Octogons) we hadn’t considered extending straight out between them and taking out the verandah. Thanks for your ideas. Much appreciated. Any other thoughts welcomed

entrance onto deck is shown in red. Additional photos taken from red x looking west, north then east Driveway is not hard landscaping, it’s a track currently (rural property) garage not to scale. Hope this helps.

Facade

Would centralising kitchen work?

based on dreamers idea my suggestions is an extension that makes use of existing spaces rather than creating a separate new building and there's some additional suggestions for more privacy for kids bedrooms and more storage

Thanks very much for your time, I really like this idea and will explore it further.

Just be aware, the measurements on oklouise plan are greater than your actual plan. Eg: actual plan is showing 3600mm square bedrooms including BIR. Where oklouise plan is showing PLUS BIR. Bedrooms @ 4000mm. Therefore not correct. But the overall concept for new extension is excellent.

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thanks dreamer....i always have problems with reading small numbers

Hi Tania,

..a few comments from a professional perspective....

Design is everything. It's worth investing in at least design stages for the benefit of the outcome..A draftsperson is not a designer so you can't expect them to provide design input to the same level of an architect or an experienced building designer, who will come at the solution on multiple levels on the basis of living and spatial experience in context, and if they're doing their job properly with cost/budget awareness built in. Not all architects or designers are all or nothing, but you may have to do some looking around to fine those who are more flexible. Many (like ourselves) will offer isolated preliminary/feasibility and design stage services limited to a certain point of resolution, which from there can be handed on to a drafting service for more cost effective documentation for the purpose of achieving permits/approvals etc.....

Looking at your plan/existing home style this isn't a simple/obvious add-on extension scenario and there are always various plan options/configurations to consider side by side before making a big decision on which version is best for you and your family. I'd be careful to maintain the existing vibe as it has such a distinct style and so care needs to be taken as how any extended space is integrated with the existing home. The site is obviously stunning and it deserves a design that responds to this elegantly and sensitively being that main property asset.

As a first step I always suggest developing a number of rough mapped out concepts with costs applied so owners can compare A,B & C and then work through the process to finetune and resolve. It typically never is "right" the first time, but before pen is put to paper it needs to be established in detail what exactly you are wanting to achieve. So I'd suggest investing in some front end design service would be the sensible path so you can properly explore the options and align the solution to your goals, as you have some capacity to control the construction costs in the back end having a builder on board and pursing the project as owner builder. You will spend the 300k one way or the other. The design solution will determine whether it's spent well or not.

Hope this helps a bit, feel free to reach out if you'd like some further advice or direction

PD

www.pauldistefanodesign.com

Thanks for your input Paul, much appreciated.