14/08/2026
Abbotsford House - Design Development
Our Abbotsford House extension has now entered the Design Development stage, and we're excited to share a first look at the evolving proposal.
This white card render focuses purely on the architectural form and scale, stripping away materials, textures and colour, to clearly communicate the design intent.
The project reimagines two-thirds of the existing Victorian home, extending it over two levels with the addition of a rooftop terrace. The renovation transforms the house from a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom dwelling into a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with a dedicated study, creating a more functional, flexible and liveable environment while respecting the original heritage fabric.
A defining feature of the project is its mass timber structural system, comprising a unique grid of 250 × 250mm glulam columns and beams supporting CLT floor panels. Replacing a conventional steel frame with engineered timber significantly reduces the building's embodied carbon, as timber is a renewable material that stores carbon throughout its lifespan. Prefabricated off-site, the structural system also enables faster construction, reducing waste, minimising disruption and improving build efficiency.
Sustainability underpins every design decision. The home is being developed to Passivhaus standards, with a highly insulated, airtight building envelope delivering exceptional year-round thermal comfort while dramatically reducing energy demand. The project will operate without gas and aims to become largely independent of the electricity grid through a photovoltaic solar array, battery storage and rainwater harvesting for toilets, showers and garden irrigation.
Acoustic comfort has also been carefully considered. High-performance glazing will reduce noise from the adjacent rail corridor while further enhancing the home's thermal performance and energy efficiency.
