What do you do with a dilapidated, under-utilised backyard that requires continuous maintenance and is only used to park cars? Melbourne couple Tahlia and Mark – who owned the yard and lived in an existing building next to it for some years – came up with a genius plan. Instead of redeveloping the total property, which was likely to become a lengthy process, they embraced the value of the original house as it stood, refurbishing it slightly. Then, with the help of Melbourne-based Schulberg Demkiw Architects, they subdivided the plot and had a new contemporary townhouse built in the old backyard to accommodate the growth of their family. Because the whole property is on a corner, the new build (now in the backyard of the older house) also has its own street access, and even has parking.
Since the beginning of this year I have been a regular contributor to houzz Australia. Apart from articles on downsizing and interior decorating I write house features. If you are interested in interior design and how other people create a happy home, read the entire renovation feature on houzz Australia.
