With land becoming scarce in urban areas, architects and builders are often faced with the challenge of transforming small-space houses into functional and comfortable residences. Renovation can become quite difficult due to the spatial constraints of small or narrow-shaped blocks. However, a detail-oriented designer or architect can work with an experienced builder to transform these challenges into opportunities and create a beautiful, highly functional home for the owners.

Designed by Mason Projects, the Redgum Avenue home in Cronulla, a beachside suburb of Sydney, is the perfect example of a fabulous narrow space renovation and backyard makeover. NewTechWood decking in Silver Grey played a significant part in this stunning transformation from an unsightly area to an extraordinary outdoor space.

For their backyard, the homeowners wanted a functional space to entertain and enjoy with friends and sought to maximise the relatively limiting outdoor area.

“We created a space that had rhythm and flow from the indoor to outdoor living,” says Joshua Longmuir, director of Longlife Building, a custom-building company based in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney.

The project was carefully assessed and meticulously planned to achieve the desired outcomes.

“We gave the backyard a much-needed makeover by adding a pool, alfresco roof, deck and outdoor BBQ entertaining area. We also opened the internal corner of the house with a bifold door unit, creating a flow from the kitchen area to the new outdoor living area. The Redgum Avenue project was a complex job because of its very tight access from both the front and rear. The shape of the block was not conventional either, which made things even more difficult structurally throughout the build,” Longmuir explained.

This project features a modern industrial style, with the use of the existing brickwork along with timber and monument/ black finishes. Modernism was introduced through the round finishes on the porta timber, which softened the industrial look.

Before and after the backyard makeover

“It is a well-balanced space created by using textures, contrast and colours,” Longmuir said. “It was a very satisfying experience seeing the change from the original backyard to what we created. We worked alongside the teams at Salt Sole Designs and Mason Projects to select all the finishes and colour palettes on this project.”

Given their busy lifestyle, the homeowners wanted a minimal maintenance option, and were particularly keen to eliminate any oiling, staining or upkeep requirements that typically came with hardwood boards. Yet, they also wanted something that looked authentic.

Backyard renovation

Based on their positive experiences in the past with NewTechWood, Longlife Building recommended composite timber decking for the Cronulla home. However, the main reason NewTechWood was selected for this backyard makeover was because it is the most natural-looking plastic timber product on the market. It’s a win-win as their clients got a timber look product without the drawbacks of natural timber.

NewTechWood benefits builders and homeowners alike

By choosing NewTechWood, builders enjoy a double benefit – not only for their clients but also for their teams. Joshua Longmuir emphasises some advantages of working with NewTechWood:

“The NewTechWood decking product is great. It is easy to work with and cost-effective in a few ways. Firstly, you don’t have to top-screw the product like you would with hardwood decking, which means the product is quick and easy to install. Also, the boards are always straight compared to hardwood. Lastly, clients can save money on the maintenance by not having to regularly stain or treat their deck.”

The homeowners were thrilled with the backyard makeover of their Sydney home and are enjoying the maintenance-free experience.

Architecture & Design Team

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