This original Queenslander cottage designed by Studio 15b was purchased by the Client just prior to their first child entering the world. They quickly did some small renovations with plans for more major work to happen later. After their second child was born, the time had come for more space and more toilets! Photography by Angus Martin.

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They did not want to raise the existing home but desperately needed additional space for their growing children and visiting family. A new two storey extension in the place of the existing rear deck was decided on. This gave the family much needed additional space while not taking up much more of their small lot. The new upper level is essentially a parent’s retreat, however, is flexible and can accommodate such functions as a nursery or guests if needed. The new two-way ensuite/bathroom on this level also supports this flexible arrangement.

The existing cottage rooms have been repurposed. The original front playroom is now a perfect two-person office. The existing main bedroom is now a Multi-Purpose Room for the kids and has been pivotal in the overall design. It is a flexible space that can be closed off or opened for connection to the living areas. This room opens to the north letting much needed light enter the living areas – whether closed or not – through new frosted glass doors. When opened there is a lovely visual connection from the front of the house all the way through to the rear green garden. Also allowing the possibility of extending the living areas into one space for larger indoor gatherings.

The existing renovated bathroom drove the design to an extent. It was given much needed privacy from the living spaces with a feature blackbutt timber screen creating a hallway and separating the living / dining spaces.

Between the cottage and the new upper level is the redesigned open planned Kitchen, Living and Dining areas. The kitchen, while slightly separate from the living spaces, still allows a visual connection. The new stairs are tucked away with the pantry utilising the space under. A small but efficient secret laundry is behind the kitchen joinery. This is another flexible space that can be used to hide mess when entertaining. Large 90 degree sliding doors enable the entertaining space to extend further with a lovely connection to the established rear garden.

The internal colour scheme simply tied in with the existing blackbutt floorboards giving a relaxed classic feel. Externally the original cottage has been kept white while the new upper-level extension is black – giving this project its name – our ‘Black Betty’ house. A fitting description which is a combination of the old and the new.