Project overview
Rose Cottage is a renovation that brings old and new together without asking either to compete.
The original character cottage was retained and transformed with a contemporary extension designed around light, functionality and the way Chris and Caitlin wanted to live in their home.
From the four oversized skylights and polished concrete floors to the hidden garage door seamlessly integrated into the batten wall, custom detailing and dedicated home cinema, there’s plenty about this project that isn’t standard – which is exactly the kind of build we love.
Like most major renovations, Rose Cottage threw a few challenges our way. Designs changed, lead times had to be managed and some details required plenty of problem-solving on site. The finished result is a home that feels considered from one end to the other while still holding onto the character that made the original cottage worth keeping.
Client Goals
Chris and Caitlin wanted to take the character home they already had and create something that worked for the way they live now.
More space, better functionality and a strong connection between indoors and out were important, but they also wanted the new addition to have its own personality.
The result is a home that feels distinctly theirs – from the light-filled main living space through to the cinema, bar and smaller custom details throughout.
Planning + Design
A big part of the design process was finding the balance between respecting the original cottage and creating a clearly contemporary addition.
Rather than trying to make the new extension imitate the old, the two were designed to complement each other. Material choices, sightlines, natural light and the transition between spaces were all carefully considered so the finished home feels connected, while still allowing the original and new sections to tell their own story.
Unique Aspects of the Project
There’s no single feature that makes Rose Cottage what it is – it’s the combination of details.
Four oversized skylights completely change the feel of the main living area. A garage door integrated into the batten wall so seamlessly that when it’s closed, it becomes part of the façade rather than interrupting it. Polished concrete brings a contemporary edge to the extension, while the original cottage retains the character of the home. And tucked within it all is our first dedicated home cinema.
But perhaps what makes this project most unique is the way a character cottage and a substantial modern extension now feel like they were always meant to belong together.
It’s not ordinary – and neither was the process of building it.
Challenges Faced
One of the biggest challenges came when engineering requirements meant the original 2.5m x 4.2m skylight design couldn’t go ahead.
Rather than simply scaling it back, we worked with the engineers and our clients to rethink the entire feature. The solution was four oversized skylights positioned across the living area – a change born out of necessity that became one of our favourite features of the finished home.
Long lead times for structural steel, skylights and the custom garage door added another layer of complexity, requiring careful sequencing and forward planning to keep the rest of the build moving.
It’s the kind of problem-solving that comes with complex renovations – and a big part of why we love them.
Materials and Techniques Used
Rose Cottage called for a mix of traditional renovation work, modern materials and custom construction.
Polished concrete grounds the new living spaces, while clean lines and carefully considered finishes give the extension its contemporary feel.
One standout construction detail is the garage door, integrated directly into the batten wall. When closed, the door virtually disappears into the façade, allowing the battens to continue across it and creating one seamless finish rather than an obvious garage opening.
Overhead, the skylight structure required precise framing and finishing to achieve the clean lines of the completed ceiling.
Throughout the build, the focus was on making the difficult details look simple once finished.
Client Feedback
Chris and Caitlin were living interstate during the build, which meant a lot of trust was placed in our team to bring the plans, decisions and countless details together while they were away.
Seeing them walk through the completed home was a pretty special part of the project.
Being invited back for a drink in their new bar after handover was even better – probably as good a client testimonial as we can get.
Team Involvement
A renovation of this scale is never the work of one person.
From working through design changes and coordinating engineers and trades to managing long lead-time items and getting the finer details right on site, the entire Strong Constructions team had a hand in bringing Rose Cottage together.
It required communication, forward planning and plenty of problem-solving – particularly when existing conditions or engineering requirements meant the original plan had to change.
The team took those challenges in their stride and kept the same focus throughout: if our name is going on it, we want to be proud of it.
Key Learnings or Takeaways
I’m most proud of how all the custom details came together. The integrated garage door disappearing into the batten wall, the polished concrete floors, the skylights and the overall finish all work together seamlessly. It’s one of those homes where every detail has been thought through, and that’s what makes it special.