YEAR 2022
WORKS COMPLETED Full House Renovation
On the sunny Gold Coast, framed by the Pacific Ocean to the east, Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south, lies the idyllic suburb of Burleigh. An established precinct, the streets of Burleigh attract locals and visitors alike, drawn to the area for its natural amenity and unique lifestyle appeal.
However, with increasing popularity comes increased density. It’s not uncommon to see historic character housing demolished to make room for new cookie-cutter spec homes and apartments. But for one local family, demolition of their beloved ‘70s cottage wasn’t an option.
Instead, they enlisted the help of local architect, Justin Humphrey, and builders, Minarco, who share a passion for unique and restorative design. On a mission to preserve and protect, the team renovated the iconic cottage, delivering a family home that reconnects with its neighbourhood and history.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Photography by Andy Macpherson
Built in 1973, ‘The Cottage’ was one of the original houses in Burleigh. For locals D&L, and their kids, they grew to not only respect the original house with its many ‘70s quirks, but also fell in love with its unique character and history. However, the original design was compact, with low ceilings and limited connection to the street. The backyard was dominated by a large pool, reducing the functionality and flexibility of the outdoor spaces.
So, the renovation was carefully devised to enhance flow between rooms, relocating the kitchen, laundry, and dining spaces to improve cross ventilation and light, establishing valuable sightlines both internally and externally. Minarco’s director, Michael, explains, “it was exciting to find owners that didn’t want to demolish and start again. Instead, we enriched and amplified the bones of the original design. We’re interested in projects that are meaningful to the client and their lifestyle”. The final design represents a functional, yet innovative reinterpretation of the original cottage, thoughtfully repurposed for D&L’s contemporary family living.
Built in 1973, ‘The Cottage’ was one of the original houses in Burleigh.
The updated spatial layout fulfils an agenda to unite inside and outside, bestowing visual connections to both the streetscape and the backyard. What was originally an insular sitting room became a light and airy kitchen sanctuary. The new kitchen location and layout features generous operable windows that deliver natural light, ventilation, and clear sightlines to the street. On a corner block, with young kids and a tight-knit neighbourhood, it was important for D&L to respectfully establish a strong visual connection with the streetscape.
Mindful of its western and street-facing orientation, external screens and landscaping were employed to afford subtle layers of privacy. To the east, the garden became a seamless extension of the dining room and outdoor terrace. “Reconnection with the street is one thing, but it’s also important to create a private space internally,” Justin reflects. “The garden became really important for us, and to be honest, it’s one of my favourite places,” he says. It’s not hard to see why. The thoughtful and elevated landscape design reveals a rich textural experience, encouraging moments of discovery and pause amongst the distinctly Australian foliage.
However, what distinguishes The Cottage from its neighbours is the dynamic roof structure and bold, graphic tones, representative of its unique and unconventional character. Once again deriving inspiration from the original cottage, D&L were keen to honour the existing roofline and bold colour palette, but with a contemporary twist. “There was something dynamic about the roofline – an existing rhythm. If you were explaining the house to someone, that’s what you would refer to. It gave us something fun that we could transform into a characteristic element,” Justin reflects.
Originally a daring red, the new and refined sawtooth roof features contemporary terracotta tones, drawing cues from the original roof tiles, and the original stonework from the (now modernised) pool. In fact, these stone pavers were carefully saved and reinstated at the front entryway in an ode to the original design.
However, what distinguishes The Cottage from its neighbours is the dynamic roof structure and bold, graphic tones, representative of its unique and unconventional character. Once again deriving inspiration from the original cottage, D&L were keen to honour the existing roofline and bold colour palette, but with a contemporary twist. “There was something dynamic about the roofline – an existing rhythm. If you were explaining the house to someone, that’s what you would refer to. It gave us something fun that we could transform into a characteristic element,” Justin reflects.
Originally a daring red, the new and refined sawtooth roof features contemporary terracotta tones, drawing cues from the original roof tiles, and the original stonework from the (now modernised) pool. In fact, these stone pavers were carefully saved and reinstated at the front entryway in an ode to the original design.
Central to the notion of preserving and honouring the original cottage, the team ensured materials were reclaimed and reused where possible. Working closely with structural engineers, steel beams were salvaged from the garage and reused in the main cottage. But it didn’t stop there. In addition to reclaiming the original pool-side stonework, Michael describes the patience and diligence required to salvage 12 of the interior patterned floor tiles so they could be reused in the updated floorplan.
From targeted jackhammering to chipping and grinding, it was no small feat. “A lot of care has gone into salvaging and keeping those retro tiles. It was a challenge, but worth it in the end,” he says. Complementing The Cottage’s iconography is the clever use of simple, enduring materiality. As Michael explains, “Justin and his team took a classic Australian product, like fibro sheets, and used them in a sophisticated manner. They look fantastic”. The final design is representative of the care and capability required to deliver a contemporary home that amplifies its historical and sentimental value.
Central to the notion of preserving and honouring the original cottage, the team ensured materials were reclaimed and reused where possible. Working closely with structural engineers, steel beams were salvaged from the garage and reused in the main cottage. But it didn’t stop there. In addition to reclaiming the original pool-side stonework, Michael describes the patience and diligence required to salvage 12 of the interior patterned floor tiles so they could be reused in the updated floorplan.
From targeted jackhammering to chipping and grinding, it was no small feat. “A lot of care has gone into salvaging and keeping those retro tiles. It was a challenge, but worth it in the end,” he says. Complementing The Cottage’s iconography is the clever use of simple, enduring materiality. As Michael explains, “Justin and his team took a classic Australian product, like fibro sheets, and used them in a sophisticated manner. They look fantastic”. The final design is representative of the care and capability required to deliver a contemporary home that amplifies its historical and sentimental value.
The Cottage was a labour of love, and the culmination of a tight-knit collaborative process. “Michael was very open to ideas,” Justin explains. “It was one of the most collaborative relationships on the project. When you find a builder who’s prepared to understand why things were designed the way they were, you end up with a far better result.
They interpret what you are trying to achieve and bring their buildability and expertise.” The feeling was mutual. As Michael explained, Minarco is a young firm, with a passion for unique and meaningful projects that honour their clients and site. Aligned in values, the team succeeded in delivering an offering of contemporary architecture that returns a sense of nostalgia to the streets of Burleigh.
