"We live very comfortably in our family home, which allows us to engage with and control our environment as the weather dictates, with minimal reliance on our hydronic heating system and no air conditioner."

Location Geelong West VIC 3218
House Size: 4BR, 217m²
Average Daily Energy Use:  6kWh

Project  Type 1940s WB renovated in 2017
Builder Don Sell
Designer:  RT Architects

About the house

Like many young growing families with work and life demands shifting, the program for Casa Familia was adaptable spaces that can evolve over the years as family lifestyle demands change.

The original 1940’s Californian bungalow frontage is protected by a heritage overlay, paying homage to an era past. The original central hallway steps down to a contemporary polished concrete floor, signalling the transition between eras.  This internal transition is reflected in the change of external aesthetic from period to modern.

North facing sliding doors capitalise on the natural winter light and grant extension of space into the established garden. Honest finishes comforted a single income budget, yet most importantly highlighted the exclusive beauty of raw materials. Minimal fixed furniture with multifunctional storage provides pre-meditated detail for purpose-built adaptability.  When home means family, work and play, it’s a Casa Familia.

NOTES:

Suppliers:

  • Energy rater - Glen Rodgers, Zero C Architects
  • Rooftop solar - City to Surf Solar
  • Grey water system - Just Water Solutions
  • Reclaimed timber - Timber Zoo
  • Window Joinery – Pickerings
  • Joinery (cabinets) – Linro Joinery

Ryan Thompson, RT Architects, M:0418 174 596, E: ryan@rtarchitect.com.au, www.rtarchitect.com.au 

House image gallery

StreetView Credit-Andrew-San-Photography

Front of house and roof

Front of house

Ryan Thompson Architecture Elizabeth St-residence

Back Elevation2

Back View Full Roof

Back Corner and North Side

Whole Roof From Front cropped

Roof From Above

Kitchen

Kitchen2

Kitchen3

Induction Cooktop

Back Door and Pelmet

Stair

Upstairs Bath

Upstairs Bathroom

Upstairs Bathroom+Shower

Upstairs Bathroom2

Hydronic Heating Panel

Cupboard in Fireplace

Elizabeth-St-residence

North Facing Side

North side

Firepit Washing Machine

House Sign

House South Side

House information sheets

Zoominar Recording

Homeowners:
Ryan & Lucy Thomson

Experts:
Architect: Ryan Thomson, RT Architects
Energy rater: Glen Rodgers, Zero C Architects
Solar installer: Kurt Pamvouxoglou, City 2 Surf Solar