Compact Design, Big Impact: Brunswick Home Renovation

Dunstan Avenue Renovation by Gardiner Architects

Architect: Gardiner Architects Photographs: Alex Reinders article Size: 130 m2 (project size) Location: Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Tags: Renovations, Heritage, Sustainable Houses

Tucked away in Brunswick on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, this 1920s weatherboard home has been given a new lease on life. What was once a small, rundown house with an awkward layout has been transformed by Gardiner Architects into a modern, sustainable sanctuary for a professional couple and their young son. Dunstan Avenue Renovation embraces functionality, flexibility, and a commitment to sustainability, all while preserving the home’s character and charm…

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Heritage

Let’s not sugar-coat it: the original house was cramped, inefficient, and in dire need of a facelift. The laundry shared space with the kitchen, the garden was an afterthought, and the rooms felt anything but spacious. Yet, the home’s location and heritage made it worth saving. Rather than bulldoze their way to a clean slate, the clients wanted to work with what they had, crafting a modestly sized home that met their needs now and into the future.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Weatherboard Houses

The solution? A clever single-storey extension that feels anything but modest. By retaining much of the original structure, the architects kept the home’s soul intact while introducing a new layout that flows seamlessly between old and new. The redesign includes three flexible rooms, a light-filled open-plan living space, and dedicated study nooks for those working-from-home moments (or hiding from the chaos of family life).

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Renovations, Heritage, Sustainable Houses, Skylights

Vaulted ceilings with skylights are the star of the show, flooding the living areas with northern light and making the space feel airy and expansive. Custom plywood joinery not only looks fabulous but ensures every square metre is used efficiently—a must in a home of this size.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Concrete Floors, Skylights, Timber Ceilings
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Joinery

Sustainability was front and centre throughout the project. Instead of sending the original building fabric to landfill, the team opted to restore and upgrade. Old timber was repaired, weatherboards were retained, and the floors were given a new lease on life. Eco-friendly materials like sustainably sourced plywood and charred FSC-certified timber were chosen to reduce the project’s environmental footprint. Rainwater tanks, solar panels, and high-quality insulation keep the home energy-efficient, while passive solar principles ensure year-round comfort without over-reliance on active heating or cooling systems.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Joinery, Recessed Lighting

The new extension also tackles the challenges of the site’s constraints with finesse. A towering neighbouring house to the north could have cast the home into shadow, but thoughtful placement of vaulted skylights draws sunlight deep into the living areas. The extension’s design remains sensitive to its surroundings, with a low, gabled roofline that mirrors the original architecture while avoiding overshadowing the outdoor spaces.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Timber Deck, Sliding Glass Doors
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Open Plan Living, Kitchens

Inside, the home feels warm and cohesive, thanks to a restrained material palette. Ply-lined ceilings and walls bring a sense of natural texture, while the burnished concrete floors offer durability with a soft, modern finish. Pops of colour in the bathrooms and laundry add personality without overwhelming the serene vibe.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Timber Deck, Sliding Door
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Timber Floors
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Basins, Tiles

The final result is a home that feels contemporary yet timeless—a space designed to evolve with its family. Whether it’s a quiet evening in the cosy living room, a bustling family gathering in the open-plan kitchen, or simply enjoying a sunny day in the garden, this home proves that thoughtful design can make even a modest space feel extraordinary.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Weatherboard Houses
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
Joinery, Laundry

Gardiner ArchitectsDunstan Avenue Renovation is a love letter to sustainability, smart design, and the enduring charm of a weatherboard home. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a sprawling footprint to create a space that’s functional, flexible, and full of heart.

Dunstan Avenue Renovation
House Plans
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
House Plans
Dunstan Avenue Renovation
House Plans

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