A thoughtfully renovated home tucked away on a tree-lined Waverley street has caught the attention of the architecture community, earning shortlist recognition in three major design awards.
The project, completed by Sydney-based Sam Crawford Architects for a young local family, transforms a 1950s single-storey bungalow into a contemporary multi-level residence whilst preserving its original character and footprint.
Located on a landscape heritage street beneath mature Moreton Bay fig trees, the home maintains its existing external walls and structure but reimagines the interior to better suit modern family life.
“The family wanted a home that could grow with them, that encouraged connection whilst also allowing parents and kids to have their own spaces,” explained Jarad Grice, senior associate and project architect at Sam Crawford Architects.
Rather than opting for a typical open-plan layout, the architects created a series of split levels connected by a central spotted gum timber staircase. This design allows family members to see and connect with each other whilst still maintaining individual zones for different activities and moods.
The renovation includes lowering the rear ground floor to meet the garden level, essentially embedding the living areas within the surrounding greenery. Two additional split levels were added above, wrapped in charred timber cladding that contrasts with the original white-rendered bungalow facade.
Natural light was a key consideration throughout the design. A lightwell above the central staircase brings sunshine deep into the home’s centre, whilst roof periscopes help ventilate the space and draw additional light through double-height voids.
“You can stand in the centre of the house and look in multiple directions to greenery,” noted Charly Watson, associate and project architect on the project. “Each space maintains visual connections outward to the gardens and tree canopy beyond.”
The interior palette moves away from stark white walls, instead featuring earth-toned hues selected to harmonise with Australian hardwoods used in windows, joinery and detailing. Spotted gum timber features prominently in the stair, pantry, built-in joinery and even a mesh hammock.
Landscape designers TARN collaborated on creating green spaces surrounding the home, including an internal courtyard that brings garden views and light to multiple rooms. A rear deck floats above a small lawn, allowing vegetation to reach up against the window seats.
Sustainability measures include preserving the existing structure to minimise demolition waste, using Australian hardwoods, incorporating passive ventilation strategies and fitting the home with solar panels and provision for battery storage. The home is fully electric.
The project has been shortlisted for the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Residential Architecture Award for Houses (Alterations & Additions), the AIA NSW EmAGN Project Award and the Houses Awards in the House Alteration & Addition over 200 square metres category.
Director Sam Crawford said the project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can respect existing structures whilst significantly improving environmental performance and creating nurturing living environments.
Photography for the project was completed by Brett Boardman, with the build managed by Build by Design and structural engineering by Structure Consulting Engineers.
Published 28-January-2026
