A CLASSIC twist

An iconic slice of architectural history is beautifully revitalised, with its true essence intact

- CARROL BAKER

DETAILS
HOUSE Exley
LOCATION Warrawee,
NSW INITIAL BUDGET $900,000
FINAL COST $1,000,000
DATE COMMENCED March 2022
DATE COMPLETED April 2023

A home designed in 1957 by renowned architect Harry Seidler is given a respectful modern uplift to create a modish family home. The existing dwelling was modest, a universal house design like other project homes that were prevalent in the 1950s and '60s. It was made up of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a single-car garage. Homeowners Tiffany and Lorenz could see its potential when other buyers could not. "It was important to preserve the home as much as possible while improving its functionality and adding a new wing for space," they say.

Post renovation, it now has four bedrooms, two-and-ahalf bathrooms, two living spaces, a two-car garage and a pool. The heritage overlay meant the style of the facade had to remain. "This posed a slight challenge for us," explain Tiffany and Lorenz, "but ultimately we were approved for a two-car garage which was the linchpin for the new wing as it is obscured from the street."

The new elements in the home are sympathetic to the Modernism era, improving the property's functionality and adding another layer of history to the story of this architecturally designed residence. Materials were restored and refurbished where possible. Tiffany and Lorenz say where they have been updated, new materials were chosen to reference the original. "For example, the main bathroom flooring was sourced to refer to the original mosaic tiles, while giving it a modern twist," they comment. The original stainless-steel kitchen sink and porcelain laundry tub were refurbished and reinstalled.

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