Laver House

• Laver House started out life as an original 1930s Californian bungalow set on a steeply sloping block. It has been transformed through multiple renovations, first with an unflinching neo-modernist renovation by Nonda Katsalisdis in 1985, then again in the late 90’s with a less successful renovation of clashing styles and intentions.

  When purchased in 2014, Neil Architecture Directors Cameron Neil and Huyen Bui saw the potential to overhaul the house with a cohesive design which would retain the major redeeming elements of the house. A new double storey wing has been inserted into the existing tree canopy at the front of the house, containing a lounge room, parent’s bedroom & ensuite. A language of black painted timber cladding and louvred sun screens adorns both the new extension, and is carried across the existing house, binding both elements together.

  The backyard had the most dramatic transformation with the ground levelled to create a larger outdoor entertainment area surrounding an existing refurbished swimming pool. Board formed concrete retaining walls terrace the garden up to a new garage and secondary entrance. This detached element adopts the same architectural language from the front, the painted black timber cladding, in a form relating to the surrounding built forms.

  Staff

  Huyen Neil, Cameron Neil

  Builder

  Finnes Building Group

  Consultants

  Struct Plan, Sophie McLean Landscape Design

  Photographer

  Hilary Bradford

  Year

  2018