A new light filled study, guest bedroom and bathroom were created by using the natural slope of the site together with the height of the existing home. A previous extension was updated to provide better northern access while reducing of heat gain/loss through the over use of single glazing.

 A retractable awing in summer shades a large sun filled northern deck. The awning also shades the building and windows to the northern living area. The deck, stairs and privacy screen are constructed from second hand timber and the balustrade is constructed from cypress macrocarpa salvage from redundant wind breaks.

The new extension is clad in shadowclad, an exterior grade ply product manufactured from plantation sourced timbers in lieu of forest hardwood timber. Use of laminated lumbers for structural timbers also allowed for the minimal use of hardwood. Behind the privacy screen 9,000 litres of rainwater is stored for landscape use and for use in the new 3/4.5 dual flush toilet and washing machine. A solar water unit was also installed as part of the renovation.

 The new extension houses a study and guest bathroom and bedroom. The thoughtful design keeps the footprint of the extension to a minimum preserving the outdoor spaces for gardens and recreation. The slab uses recycled concrete for aggregate and fly-ash (a waste produce) in the cement mix.

The joinery in the stair well and study is constructed from hoop pine finished with water based sealers to minimise toxicity. The rear of the old chimney remains adding thermal mass to the extension. The windows in the stairwell and study are double glazed and openable and teamed with ceiling fans allow good ventilation in summer.

 A generous sill constructed from second hand timber allows the kitchen to articulate to the living area and to benefit from the northern aspect. The kitchen was constructed from painted ply; no MDF was used in the renovation reducing toxicity for the occupants and improving worker health. Low VOC paint was also used throughout to further reduce possible toxicity.

A water and energy effeicent Asko dishwasher was installed and all new fixtures and fittings are water efficient. Choice of light fittings allowed use of compact fluorescent light globes throughout achieving an average of 3 Watts per square metre.

 New glazed doors and windows are double glazed and fitted with weather seals, they have been positioned to maximise ventilation in summer. The extension and refurbishment of the existing extension includes R2 Wall insulation and R3.5 ceiling insulation. Air cell was incorporated into the wall construction where shadowclad was used as the construction allows for an air-gap to be used in conjunction with the R2 batt insulation product. A gas space heater was installed instead of extending the existing central heating system

The floor was patched with second hand floorboards to match the existing and sub-floor insulation was installed to main living area. The timber floor was finished with a water-based polyurethane in lieu of solvent based products to assist in the reduction of VOCs.