Architect: Anthrosite
Builder: Goodwin Vaughan
Location: Cooks Hill, NSW
Cooks Hill House is a renovation of a single storey terrace in Cooks Hill, located on a long, narrow site with sandy, flood-prone ground. The project retained both the original nineteen-twenties brick cottage at the front and a nineties addition at the rear. Our role as structural and hydraulic engineers focused on retaining as much of the existing fabric as possible, introducing targeted structural changes and updating services to suit the revised layout.
A detailed structural inspection of the nineties extension confirmed that its primary elements were in good condition. The existing floor framing, external walls and roof structure were largely retained. Internal non-loadbearing walls were removed to improve circulation, while the main structural system remained in place. This approach reduced demolition and avoided unnecessary rebuilding.
In the original cottage, structural change was limited to the repositioning of an existing hallway skylight. Localised roof framing adjustments were undertaken to accommodate the new opening, while maintaining the integrity of the roof structure. The operable skylight improves daylight and supports natural ventilation.
At the rear living area, the floor level was lowered to connect directly to the garden. This required new structural support and careful detailing where new work meets the existing building. Given the sandy soils and flood exposure, foundation and subfloor detailing were designed to manage moisture and support long term durability.
A new detached studio at the rear of the site was designed as an independent structure. Structurally, it sits separate from the existing buildings to simplify construction and manage movement. Services were extended to support the studio while remaining integrated with the overall site strategy.
The project demonstrates how careful assessment and selective intervention can extend the life of existing buildings, improve functionality and respond to site constraints without extensive reconstruction.
