By working with the step down to the new extension and the generous roof space, the upstairs extension was largely hidden in the existing roof structure minimising impact on the streetscape. Careful use of insulation and use of openable skylights fitted with blinds, together with thoughtful stair case design assist in keeping the upper rooms cool in summer.

The clients were committed to the use of second hand materials and the renovation included not only the expected use of second-hand timbers and bricks but also a second-hand pedestal vanity for the powder room, second hand light fittings, reuse of lining boards from demolition for linen cupboard shelving and second hand doors for all internal doors. The weatherboards were removed from the western wall to allow insulation to be installed and were then reinstated.

 The main ground floor living areas have been oriented to the North and on the upper level a balcony leads to a small northern sitting room. The roof below the balcony houses the gas boosted solar hot water system and 8 panel photovoltaic array. Rainwater is stored out of sight in slimline tanks up the side of house and is used for landscape use and toilet flushing.

The balcony uses modwood in lieu of hardwood and the external glazed doors and windows are a finger-jointed pine framing system further minimising hardwood use. Shading is provided to the north through a generous pergola and fixed awnings to windows. The bricks used for the patio paving are second hand with many sourced from the demolition of the chimney from the existing house.

 The staircase is constructed of second hand Baltic pine floorboards and the handrail was custom made in second hand timber. The stairwell is fully enclosed to minimise heat transfer up the stairwell in summer. A double glazed openable skylight fitted with blinds is situated at the top the stairwell to allow heat to purge through the roof as the night cools. In winter the blinds are opened to increase light down the stairwell and to the upstairs landing.

 All new glazed doors and windows are double glazed with weather seals, including these colonial style windows to the light filled living room. High levels of insulation were used throughout, R2 wall insulation, R3.5 ceiling insulation and reflective aircell insulation was installed in the new roof. Two gas space heaters were installed to heat the house and the old central heating system was removed.

An energy efficient lighting layout included the use of compact fluorescents throughout the house including wall lights and mega man compact fluorescent down lights. To minimise toxicity low VOC paints and water based timbers sealers were used throughout.

 The extension is an exposed slab on ground to introduce thermal mass into the home. The kitchen is constructed from hoop pine ply and finger jointed pine was used for architraves and skirting through out eliminating the need for MDF or chipboard products. Use of open shelving in the kitchen minimises material use while providing functional storage space, the shelving and window sill are constructed from second hand timber.

The kitchen includes a vent from the sub-floor space to a cold store cupboard to allow for some natural cooling to store fresh food. A water and energy efficient Asko dishwasher was chosen and other fixtures and fittings throughout the house are water efficient.