Gully House Renovation | Honouring a 1970s Architectural Classic
Preserving Character, Reconnecting Space
The owners of this 1970s architectural gem fell in love with its form, materials, and feel. From the beginning, it was clear that this renovation wasn’t about reinventing — it was about refining. The goal: to honour the home’s original style while adapting it for modern family living.
Unlike most renovations that aim to squeeze more from a small footprint, this project had the opposite challenge: making a large, disconnected home feel intimate, efficient, and cohesive.
More Space, Better Flow
While the existing footprint was generous, the spaces didn’t flow — living areas felt cut off, and the kitchen was outdated and undersized. The bedroom wing had been heavily altered, and the annex (now a secondary dwelling) had seen piecemeal changes that made it feel boxy and closed-in.
Our design response focused on:
Reworking the kitchen into an open, functional hub
Relocating key spaces to create better daily flow
Reconnecting zones for shared living and privacy
Renovating the bathroom for both form and function
Preparing the annex for future AirBnB use — a smart move to generate income over time
Connecting with the Gully
One of the home's most remarkable aspects — the gully outlook — had been underused. Part of the renovation’s focus was to visually and physically connect the home to this natural backdrop, allowing views and light to play a stronger role in everyday living.
Large openings, thoughtful orientation, and internal reconfiguration help this home breathe with its surroundings, rather than turning its back on them.
A Sensitive, Multi-Stage Transformation
This renovation is being carried out in phases, allowing the family to live in the home as it evolves — a practical and budget-conscious approach. It’s a great example of how sensitive renovation can honour history, solve real-world challenges, and create spaces that support modern living without losing their soul.
Planning a renovation that respects the past but embraces the future? Book a chat with Sharon →
