Stickybeak of the Week: A Florist's Home Gets a Resort Makeover
A contemporary extension and pool-side pavilion give this Federation bungalow a holiday vibe year-round
Louise O'Bryan
31 October 2017
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content... More
Seven years ago, Jodie McGregor and Stuart White started looking for a home they could future-proof and enjoy with their young children for at least 20 years. Running a successful florist business, Jodie McGregor Flowers, it’s no surprise that an exceptional garden and leafy outlook were top of their wish list, as well as a characterful house oozing potential.
So when they stumbled upon an unloved Federation bungalow in Drummoyne, Sydney, not far from their business, near to the harbour and in a quiet location, the couple was hooked. They asked their architect friend Vanessa Wegner to view the property with them and, despite the ghastly green pool and burgundy walls, they all agreed it was perfect for a modernist renovation while still retaining the original frontage.
So when they stumbled upon an unloved Federation bungalow in Drummoyne, Sydney, not far from their business, near to the harbour and in a quiet location, the couple was hooked. They asked their architect friend Vanessa Wegner to view the property with them and, despite the ghastly green pool and burgundy walls, they all agreed it was perfect for a modernist renovation while still retaining the original frontage.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jodie McGregor, Stuart White, and their children, Pirra, Remi and Carter.
Location: Drummoyne, NSW
Size: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Design: Vanessa Wegner Architect
“The vision behind the renovation was to create a warm, welcoming home to last the family many years, incorporating contemporary architecture that would integrate with the outdoor living space,” says Wegner.
A magnificent frangipani tree became the feature and inspiration for the design, as it dictated the orientation of kitchen, living area, outdoor deck and the open pavilion behind the pool.
Stools: Great Dane Furniture; range hood: Qasair
Who lives here: Jodie McGregor, Stuart White, and their children, Pirra, Remi and Carter.
Location: Drummoyne, NSW
Size: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Design: Vanessa Wegner Architect
“The vision behind the renovation was to create a warm, welcoming home to last the family many years, incorporating contemporary architecture that would integrate with the outdoor living space,” says Wegner.
A magnificent frangipani tree became the feature and inspiration for the design, as it dictated the orientation of kitchen, living area, outdoor deck and the open pavilion behind the pool.
Stools: Great Dane Furniture; range hood: Qasair
Designed as a forever home, the couple focused on quality materials, such as steel, concrete, hardwood, glass, marble and stone, to provide them with the strength and form, as well as contemporary style, that appealed to them.
The architect retained four rooms at the front of the house, three kids’ bedrooms and a fourth as a second lounge room. Beyond this the newly extended living space steps down from the original ground-floor level to follow the slope of the site and to allow it to flow step-free into the garden.
The architect retained four rooms at the front of the house, three kids’ bedrooms and a fourth as a second lounge room. Beyond this the newly extended living space steps down from the original ground-floor level to follow the slope of the site and to allow it to flow step-free into the garden.
The kitchen/living space features a polished-concrete floor as thermal mass that takes advantage of its northern orientation, remaining warm in the winter and offering a cool retreat in the hotter months.
The beautiful kitchen joinery is a mixture of navurban timber panels and white polyurethane cabinets, bringing a complementary warmth to the cool Carrara marble island bench and concrete flooring.
Dining chairs: Barnaby Lane; dining table: Mark Tuckey; Verner Panton Globe light: Vampt Vintage Design; rooster painting: Craig Waddell
The beautiful kitchen joinery is a mixture of navurban timber panels and white polyurethane cabinets, bringing a complementary warmth to the cool Carrara marble island bench and concrete flooring.
Dining chairs: Barnaby Lane; dining table: Mark Tuckey; Verner Panton Globe light: Vampt Vintage Design; rooster painting: Craig Waddell
The north-facing deck overlooks the pool, and special care was taken to minimise the effect of the pool fence. “It is lower than the deck,” says Wegner, “so the outdoor eating area looks over the pool and not through the railings.” A stroke of genius.
The deck also features a stunning outdoor fireplace and barbecue with a concrete benchtop, all set against a heartwarming recycled-brick wall. “Recycled brick is a fantastic material for adding character and texture to a garden,” says Wegner. The rustic brick also helps to create an interesting contrast next to the structural steel columns that have been left exposed and painted black.
At the rear of the pool the level of the land was raised and a simple pavilion structure was built, with a timber floor that floats over the pool. “You can’t help imagining you’re on a luxury island resort when you step into this pavilion,” says Wegner. And with an outdoor shower to add to the holiday vibe, it’s certainly a dreamy setting that captures the imagination.
Inside the pavilion, timber cladding wraps onto the ceiling to evoke a cool retro vibe, while the couple has added a TV for outdoor movies and a bar for parties.
Beautifully crafted blackbutt timber stairs lead to the new master suite, office and a ‘link’ room that connects the new lightweight structure to the old tiled roof of the original house. The couple has also converted the attic space of the old roof into a kids’ hideaway.
The striking upper level of the extension features the master suite and reaches out into the canopy of the frangipani tree, offering relaxing views of the treetops, helping to heighten the sense of a luxurious holiday retreat.
The office has sliding windows looking onto the backyard, providing relaxing water views. A pared-back black and white interior scheme allows the garden views to take the lead, and similarly…
… the master ensuite has been given a simple, industrial feel with cool concrete and frosted glass.
Floor and wall tiles: Surface Gallery
Floor and wall tiles: Surface Gallery
A new steel-framed carport was constructed to complement the heritage facade, which has magnificent kerb appeal and beautiful detailing. Wegner sums up her achievements on the project. “I’m so happy that my clients love living here and they are proud of the house. My favourite features are the light, the exposed architectural details, and the relation between the inside and the fabulous garden. It really is a holiday-at-home house.”
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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Stunning. Great design and also incredible craftsmanship throughout. I love the pavilion, it oozes a real sense of relaxation as well as the promise of years of enjoyment!
I like the design of that upper level looking out over the canopy - and the bench in the sun below it.