Australian_House_&_Garden_2016_11

HG HOUSES

128 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

< as a butler’s pantr y and laund r y. On the opposite side of the dining

hall, the stationmaster’s office was converted into a study, while the

existing bunkroom made way for a guestroom.

Upstairs, the kitchen and living room were converted into

bedrooms (the latter into the main); the three existing bedrooms,

a small sitting room and the bathroom were retained. Two add-ons

at the rear of the station were demolished and a slab poured to provide

the platform for a new kitchen. The whole area, including the external

stairs, was then enclosed with glass bifolds.

Crowning the extension is a 5.6m tiled roof, which slopes 37 degrees

to create an eave 2.3m off the lawn. The tiled roof is a design statement

and solution in one, says Paul. “We had to connect the upper and

lower levels while preserving the facade and rear stairs. The roof

over the extension links the levels and, in tandem with the bifolds,

allows family life to extend into the backyard.”

It has been quite a journey, but the Daltons are delighted with their

novel abode. “I love the simplicity and the interplay between old-world

charm and industrial,” says Nicki. “Paul and Daniella helped us to

strike the perfect balance between honouring the building’s history

and creating a wonderfully functional family home.” >

Owen.Architecture, Gordon Park, Queensland; (07) 3315 6797 or

owenarchitecture.com.au. Daniella Rowles Design, Newmarket,