Modern Meets Function in a Bold Ambleside Build

Project overview

This Ambleside extension transformed an existing home into a modern, entertaining focused space defined by strong architectural features and precise detailing.
From a large suspended slab to a striking kitchen archway, every element was designed to improve functionality while creating a bold, cohesive finish.

Silver round badge with text: Master Builders Tasmania Finalist Awards for Excellence 2026 on geometric background.
Modern kitchen with a large island, two barstools, dark cabinetry, blue tiled backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, and built-in appliances.
A modern black suspended fireplace with a fire burning inside, positioned indoors near large glass windows overlooking a patio and trees outside.
Modern interior with hanging pendant lights, large glass windows, and a view of green trees and sky outside. Geometric ceiling design with natural light entering the space.
Adam Armstrong wearing a black shirt, with the logo, Strong Constructions embroidered on the right hand side. Adam is wearing sunglasses, and a tool belt. Adam i s working under s roof section with a brick wall and an unfinished wooden frame in the background.
Modern living space with a suspended black fireplace, large windows, outdoor view, built-in bench seating, and a kitchen area with a flower arrangement on the counter.
Modern outdoor patio with glass fencing, covered grill, two covered chairs, and a view of a grassy yard and trees, seen through large glass windows.

Client Goals

The clients wanted a contemporary space designed for entertaining and everyday living.
Key priorities included integrating outdoor living areas, incorporating a suspended fire feature, and creating a modern interior that connected seamlessly with the existing home.

Planning + Design

The design centred on clean lines, strong structural elements and purposeful focal points.
Close collaboration with designers ensured the new structure aligned both structurally and visually with the original home. Careful planning was essential to achieve a seamless transition between old and new.

Large two-story brick house with a dark roof, multiple windows, and a spacious driveway, surrounded by neatly landscaped lawns and shrubs under a clear blue sky.
Modern kitchen with a concrete countertop, espresso machine, dark blue cabinets, blue tile backsplash, wood cabinetry, and arched LED lighting feature.
Modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, a curved island, two black bar stools, arched backsplash with accent lighting, and built-in appliances on a polished concrete floor.

Unique Aspects of the Project

The suspended fire feature, custom kitchen archway and oversized tiles set this build apart.

Each feature required tailored construction methods to achieve both structural integrity and the intended visual impact.

A modern black suspended fireplace with a fire burning inside, positioned indoors near large glass windows overlooking a patio and trees outside.

Challenges Faced

Integrating the new structure
Connecting the extension to the existing home required precise structural planning and careful detailing to ensure consistency in both appearance and performance.

Feature elements and finishes
Statement features such as the suspended slab and tiled archway demanded accuracy during construction to achieve the intended visual impact.

A modern two-story brick house with large glass windows and a wraparound balcony, set on a landscaped lawn under a clear sky. Adam and his employee in black shirts with Strong Constructions embroidered on the back stand on a building. One is behind a ladder. There is a scenic landscape with hills in the background. Various tools are visible around the site. Adam Armstrong wearing a black shirt, with the logo, Strong Constructions embroidered on the right hand side. Adam is wearing sunglasses, and a tool belt. Adam i s working under s roof section with a brick wall and an unfinished wooden frame in the background.

Materials and Techniques Used

The suspended slab was poured and executed with precision to support the architectural design.

Large format tiles (900 x 1800) were installed in the bathrooms, while a custom tiled kitchen archway was constructed as a key interior feature. All tiling work was completed in house to maintain quality control and detailing consistency.

Modern living space with a suspended black fireplace, large windows, outdoor view, built-in bench seating, and a kitchen area with a flower arrangement on the counter.
A modern bedroom with a large bed, white furniture, two bedside tables with lamps, and a window overlooking greenery. The room has neutral tones and minimal decor.

Client Feedback

The clients were especially pleased with how the design centred around the suspended fire feature and how naturally the new spaces connect with the existing home.

They also valued the team’s clear communication and problem solving throughout the build process.

Modern bathroom with gray stone tiles, a floating wooden vanity with a round white sink, a frameless glass shower enclosure, and a wall-mounted rainfall showerhead.
Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with houses, trees, winding roads, and a large body of water in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Team Involvement

The team completed all tiling in house, including the detailed kitchen archway, ensuring consistency and quality across finishes.

From the suspended slab to the fire feature integration, each element was executed with careful coordination and attention to detail.

Key Learnings or Takeaways

Strong collaboration between builders, designers and clients is essential when integrating complex structural elements with existing homes.
Clear communication and precise execution ensured a cohesive result that balances bold design with practical living.

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