Queenscliff New Home
A Dated Cottage Ready for Its North Aspect
Vanda Constructions is a trusted custom home builder Queenscliff homeowners turn to when a property isn’t making the most of its position. This project began with a post-war, single-storey masonry cottage that wasn’t taking advantage of its north-easterly aspect or water views. The owners wanted a home better suited to the scale and finish of the surrounding street.
Designing for a Sloping Block
The site presented a real challenge. It was significantly sloping, which meant the new home had to be designed around the complexities of the existing block. As a result, entry from street level leads directly onto the first floor. Architect Adam Hobbs of Hobbs Jamieson Architecture says this approach gives the home a stronger entry sequence while remaining practical for everyday living.
Demolition and a Complex Build
Demolishing the old cottage was, in fact, the easiest part of the job. Because the block sloped so significantly, getting materials to the lowest level of the site was time-consuming and costly. In particular, the team needed to keep materials as lightweight as possible, given the site’s limited crane access and its distance from street level.
A Mixed Material Approach
Externally, the home uses a varied palette of materials and colours to break up its scale. James Hardie fibre cement cladding is offset by natural clear-finished hardwood and plywood soffits. Internally, dark walnut-stained blackbutt flooring and satin polyurethane joinery continue the coastal feel, while muted grey, white and black tiling adds a modern finish throughout.
A Spectacular Result
The finished home now offers three storeys and four bedrooms, along with two living areas, a study, two powder rooms, a butler’s pantry, cellar, workshop and double garage. A vaulted ceiling and double-height void connect the study space to a second living area below, while a bespoke staircase links all three levels. Ultimately, the eleven-month build resulted in a home that doesn’t forget to address its street frontage or its coastal location.
Read the full story of this project in the article by clicking here, see more of our approach on the about us page, or browse our testimonials from past clients.