A resort style home in Toowoomba overlooking the beautiful Lockyer Valley is the final outcome of a major renovation project that saw an ordinary dwelling transform into a magnificent residence with access to stunning escarpment views.

Though the owners were captivated by the location of this home, they were less than impressed with the existing dwelling and sought to modify the building to unlock the potential of the site. StruXi Design was engaged by the owners to redesign the home and given free rein to reimagine the location and functionality of all interior and exterior spaces. The client brief was to create a home with a luxury resort vibe and also providing access to magnificent valley views.

Key alternations carried out in the home included the addition of an ensuite and walk-in robe to an enlarged master bedroom with a freestanding bath, effectively creating a new wing to the home; two glazed pavilions added in key locations, with north-east facing floor-to-ceiling glazing to capture views over the valley; and kitchen, living and lounge areas enlarged and modified to visually connect to an outdoor living space and framed by escarpment views.

Large cantilevered steel beams were erected to allow the installation of huge glazing panels with minimal framing to allow unobstructed views. Considerable effort went into aligning new and old finishes to the extent that every internal door was custom made to the exact size. Existing frames were packed to ensure a flush finish with new surfaces, cavity sliding door units were made onsite to line up perfectly with existing window heads, and stairs were set out to work the European oak timber flooring.

All existing windows within the home were replaced with framing and window systems from Architectural Window Systems, creating a consistent modern feel throughout the space.

Elevate Series 606 commercial framing allowed the building designers to create hinged fixed window panels spanning both storeys of the cantilevered slab. Elevate Series 412 bi-fold doors with smooth bottom rolling Centor running gear open the living spaces up to exterior entertaining areas and ClearVENT sashless double hung window inserts enable clear uninterrupted views with the option to open some parts for ventilation.

The project did have some challenges from the steep slope of the site, which limited construction access while bushfire prone vegetation below the site impacted on the selection of building materials for the project.

StruXi worked with local fabricator Scope Doors and Windows on adapting the glazing system to meet the specific site requirements while ensuring a high level of finishing detail for the perfect design outcome.

Photo: Courtesy of StruXi Design