In the outset

This was to be the second house I had designed for a charming, retired couple from Sydney. The first was large, contemporary, ocean front. This one was extensions to a quaint timber cottage on a site in Kiama: well positioned; ocean views; sea breezes...dreamed about by the clients for many years.

I met with them to talk over initial concepts, then everything came to a halt; the house next door became available!

After so much emotional commitment, the deal to purchase the new and discard the old happened surprisingly quickly. We were now talking about substantial alterations and additions to a house on a site twice the size.

The brief was for flexibility in accommodating two or many; ample space for entertaining; retain the charm of the existing heritage cottage; exploit the ocean views; respect the neighbours; realise a dream...