Growing a 1940s home

When a young family in Nelson South found themselves outgrowing their 1940s weatherboard home, they knew it was time for a major transformation. With a strong architectural vision already in place, the challenge was finding a builder who could bring that vision to life — thoughtfully, accurately, and within budget. Marshall Builders were brought on to deliver a full layout reconfiguration and extension, reshaping the home to better suit modern family living while respecting the character of the original structure. One side of the house was demolished to create new space, allowing for a reworked floor plan that significantly improved flow and functionality. The renovation introduced a new master bedroom, tiled bathroom, and upgraded laundry, alongside an expanded lounge area designed as a comfortable, light-filled hub for daily life. Careful attention was given to material continuity, with feature cladding carried from the exterior through to the interior to form a striking architectural feature wall. Internally, plywood ceilings with negative detailing were installed to achieve a clean, contemporary finish that complements the home’s modernised aesthetic without feeling out of place. Practical upgrades were also thoughtfully integrated, including a new storage shed and smart functional improvements to support the realities of a busy family household. Throughout the build, Marshall Builders worked closely with the homeowners, maintaining clear communication, transparency around costs, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The result is a revived classic — a home that retains its charm while confidently stepping into its next chapter with improved space, comfort, and performance. “We trusted Marshall Builders with some major renovations to our 1940's weatherboard Nelson South home which we had outgrown as a young family. As an Architect myself the design vision was clear in my head and on paper but needed the skill of a great builder make it reality and bring it in line with budgets - and this is where Steve and his team stepped in. Clear communication, right questions asked when required and upfront about costs and suggestions for savings. Ryan, Dan and Yuri were an absolute pleasure to have around the house for 6 months, Sonia is always there just when you need her and the team delivered our vision beyond our expectations. Highly recommend.”