POWER MOVE

Forget about a sea change - moving into a newly revamped home has led to a 'life change' for this delighted couple.

- Judy Pascoe

For evidence of the positive power of good design, look no further than this house in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Bought by couple Siew Yun and Hai Yap Teoh to be close to their son and family, the newly revamped house has proven to be an uplifting and life-changing experience for Hai Yap, who suffers from cognitive decline. Says Siew Yun, “Since moving here we have noticed a significant improvement in his moods and the doctor is amazed at the change. We can only put this down to the calming effect of this well-constructed home where he is so happy to live.”

Dean Williams, director of Architect George, can take full credit. Approached by the builders, King Renovations, that the couple had engaged to renovate the home, he had free rein to take the rundown Federation property to the next level. The owners had fallen in love with the original decorative features including the ornate ceilings and stained-glass windows. They also loved the home’s history; it had served as a veterinary hospital for nearby Randwick Racecourse.

On a substantial block of land, the c1905, single-level, three-bedroom house also had a detached stables outbuilding, providing scope for an imaginative reworking of the property including the pool and gardens. “The clients desired a peaceful, light-filled home where they could feel relaxed and inspired,” says Dean. Functional requirements were also needed to facilitate Hai Yap’s way of living.

Subtle measures were utilised to achieve optimum impact. Mindful of maintaining the home’s Federation persona, Dean says the renovation celebrates the pairing of old with new, original with reinterpreted.