Mayfield House

Alterations and Additions completed 2025

This project came with unique and competing goals - to be low cost, using simple construction methods (for owner builder), while also being experimental in composition (for owner architect).

Set in a compact suburban context mostly comprised of workers cottages built in the late 19th century, the project sought to retain anything of value; leaving the original cottage largely unchanged and reusing materials from the poorly planned and built 1980s extension, including pine floorboards, hardwood decking, hardwood framing, and concrete piers.

The design was rigorously planned to meet the needs of the clients in as little space as possible, resulting in 90sqm of new and renovated internal floor area, plus deck and shed, at a cost of approximately $250k.

Key principles:

• Optimising / balancing privacy and solar access

• Orienting spaces to the garden and surrounding canopy

• Recycling materials from on-site and off-site

• Minimised floor area to feel spacious using high ceilings and large openings.

Builder: Owner Builder

Photography: Dane Howell