HERITAGE ADDITION & ELEVATED POOL - COOKS HILL
The Brief
Our clients sought to expand their character cottage with a contemporary two-storey rear addition that would provide modern living spaces while respecting the heritage setting of Cooks Hill. The ground floor was to accommodate a new kitchen and open-plan living/dining area that flowed seamlessly onto a covered alfresco and elevated pool. The upper level was designed as a private parents’ retreat with bedroom, walk-in robe, ensuite, and a dedicated office.
Key priorities included maximising natural light through solar passive design, protecting privacy from neighbouring properties, and capturing city views from the parents’ retreat.
Our Solution
The resulting design is a striking yet sympathetic addition that balances heritage sensitivity with contemporary lifestyle needs. The ground floor creates a generous open-plan hub, connecting indoors with the covered alfresco and elevated pool for relaxed entertaining. Upstairs, the parents’ retreat offers a private sanctuary, with carefully placed windows framing city views while maintaining privacy.
To ensure the new addition complemented its context, we worked closely with a Heritage Consultant and Newcastle Council throughout the design process. The final outcome is a contemporary structure that appears visually separate from the original cottage, allowing the heritage fabric to remain legible while providing the functionality and amenity of a modern family home.
The Challenges
Designing within the Cooks Hill Heritage Precinct required careful navigation of planning controls and heritage sensitivities. The challenge was to deliver a bold and functional contemporary addition without overwhelming the character of the original cottage.
Equally important was achieving solar passive performance, privacy, and city views within the constraints of a dense urban site. Through strategic orientation, refined detailing, and collaboration with heritage specialists, the design successfully balances modern living requirements with respect for the area’s historic character.