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George Street House is the extension and renovation of VDM Architects’ directors Steven and Francesca’s former home.

Occupying a narrow pocket of land, this inner-urban edge Victorian villa originally featured a constricted internal layout with a tight courtyard to the rear.

The goal of the renovation was to bring a sensation of spaciousness and tranquillity into the home by maximising daylight, increasing the height of the internal areas, and creating a connection to the outdoors that would offer a quiet retreat within the bustling neighbourhood context.

The entire kitchen, dining and living areas were opened up through the removal of internal divisions and pushing out the building envelope. The ceiling was raised to increase the volume, and strategic utilisation of attic space above a new bathroom allowed for an entirely new area to be created at first floor level. Accessed by new stairs, this level features a light-filled yet cosy guest bedroom with a generous study area.

The kitchen zone was relocated back against the contemporary new bathroom which enabled a new butler’s pantry to be discretely located under the new stairs. From the living area, large sliding glass doors opened to the rear garden which underwent a major transformation from a tight concrete courtyard into a spacious yet private green oasis.

Passive design features include all new double glazing, fully insulated external walls and roof, and openable clerestory and skylight windows for stack-effect ventilation.

The front façade of the house was restored and revitalised with a neutral but fresh new colour scheme respectful of its Victorian heritage, while the rear extension was clad in charcoal-painted timber panelling with vertical grooves to create a clear contrast between old and new.

VDM Architects
Waikato
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Professionals used in
George Street House

About the
Professional

VDM Architects is a Coromandel-based practice that specialises in bespoke residential architecture.

We are dedicated to producing considered designs with a strong attention to detail and a deep respect for the site and environment.

Directors Steven and Francesca van der Meer create homes that embody the clients' unique lifestyle and elevate everyday life.

VDM Architects provide both architectural and interior design services. We deliver timeless outcomes that are rich in both beauty and functionality.

With completed and ongoing projects across multiple locations, our studio provides services throughout the country.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.