ECO WARRIOR

A divine dwelling that is dynamically energy efficient and innovative

- CARROL BAKER

This renovated inner-city abode has charm in spades. Before the renovation, it was a weatherboard terrace with a lean-to extension at the rear. It had poor acoustic buffering and energy efficiency. Now it's a showstopper. The original terrace has been carefully restored and a double-storey extension added to the rear.

The homeowners are a couple of professionals who wanted a series of organised spaces within a modern home, on a very narrow site. It had to be practical, and private, with a sense of connectedness to the outdoors. It also had to be environmentally astute, which is at the very heart of what architecture practice Green Sheep Collective does. "Like many of our projects, the inspiration or perhaps the genesis comes from how we can maximise energy efficiency and introduce passive solar design principles," says director Shae Parker McCashen.

The ground floor of the new extension is a generous openplan living space. There's a streamlined galley-style kitchen, inbuilt bench seating, a living space and a dining room with bifold doors that lead to the rear. Clean lines dominate.

The infusion of timber adds warmth and works well with the grey and blue colour tones which, Shae says, played an important role in the feel of the home.

"This palette was chosen to evoke a sense of calm and order, making the home a peaceful retreat for our private clients," she notes.

Take the stairs to the first level and there's a master bedroom and ensuite, as well as a cosy sitting area. Ample glazing ensures plenty of natural light is welcomed into the home.