The transformation of this 1980s building into a healthy, low-energy sanctuary demonstrates a meticulous approach to sustainability, climate resilience, and serene living. The project, known as the Bronte Re-Frame House, reimagines the existing structure with a focus on enhancing thermal performance, improving light and ventilation, and creating a tranquil atmosphere for its occupants. It has received a honourable mention at the Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Single Dwelling (Alteration/Addition) category and the team looks back on this prestigious recognition.
Architecture & Design: Why do you think you were honoured for your entry?
It’s an honour, especially as a solo practitioner. It’s great to see that small practices like mine can make an impact. I think the judges appreciated how this project took a tired, outdated building and transformed it into a sustainable, energy-efficient home. The design focused on preserving the original structure, which helped reduce waste and environmental impact, while still improving the home’s performance. We reduced the house's volume and size, which directly contributes to lower energy consumption—a fantastic outcome on any project.
By incorporating passive house principles, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful material choices, I was able to create a home that's not only comfortable and healthy but also really well-designed.
What did your entry add to the body of knowledge of sustainable design?
This project shows how a renovation can really boost the environmental performance of an older home—without sacrificing comfort or design. By using passive house principles alongside energy-efficient tech like solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and HRV ventilation, we proved that an existing home can meet modern sustainability standards.
The project also introduced some creative solutions, like a ventilated cladding system and external shading to improve thermal performance. Most importantly, we reused as much of the original structure as possible, which helped cut down on waste and embodied carbon. It’s a great example of how retrofitting old buildings can be just as sustainable—if not more—than starting from scratch, and I hope it encourages others to think about renovating instead of demolishing.
Has your entry influenced the way you will design buildings in the future?
Definitely. This project has made me even more aware of how small design tweaks—like controlling solar gain, improving ventilation, and reducing thermal bridging—can have a huge impact on energy performance. It’s also solidified my belief in retrofitting older buildings rather than always going the new-build route.
Going forward, I’ll keep focusing on improving the thermal efficiency of buildings, using passive house strategies where I can. I’ve also learned how valuable it is to choose materials that are both sustainable and low-maintenance, so they’ll stand the test of time. Most importantly, this project reinforced the need to design spaces that are flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the owners, which will help the building perform well for many years to come.
This category is sponsored by Deco.
Image: Re-Frame House by Still Space Architecture
