Integrating old and new
he living space is connected to the
terrace by a large sliding door, which is
one of the most sophisticated pieces of
technolog y in the house.
‘It’s a huge space to ill with a 6.7m
door and almost 3m high opening, so
we needed a cavity sliding door that
retracts completely towards one edge of
the house,’ Alex says.
‘We needed quite a thick wall to be
built to accommodate the door, given
that it’s holding this heav y door in a
recess and doing structural work.‘A stud wall would have looked
limsy, and it’s important for it to look
solid. he owners were a bit unsure at
irst as to whether the door would hold
up because it’s quite large, but now
they’ve seen it they really like it.’
Because the home is well ventilated
and makes great use of light, it’s also
environmentally friendly. A rainwater
tank is hidden under the rear deck,
while both roofs have been itted with
relective foil sarking (which reduces the
level of moisture entering the home) andbulk insulation. Alex used a treatment
called Pilkington Energy Advantage
Low-E glazing on all new windows and
doors, while all paints used are low in
VOC (volatile organic compounds), to be
extra kind to sensitive noses.
he best part for Alex is that he can
visit the home anytime he likes to see
how his vision has come to fruition.
‘It’s very enjoyable to work on friends’
houses,’ he says. ‘You get to see the way
the family enjoys it, and how ideas have
worked and been appreciated.’ ❖he house is environmentally friendly,
with decking hiding a rainwater tank
22 JULY 2018 Australian HandymanRENOVATE