Federation Waterfront, Drummoyne
ConceptNot built
A Federation home on a rare waterfront-facing block in Drummoyne, with views across parkland to the water and decades of mismatched additions getting in the way of them. This is our concept design for reconnecting the house with its views, light and garden.
Years of piecemeal renovations had left the house feeling disjointed. The north-facing living areas had no shade and overheated easily, the kitchen had crept into the dining space, and the best outlooks towards the water were either blocked or framed by windows that were too small for them.
The design turns the house towards the garden and the water. A contemporary rear addition opens the living areas onto the pool, with shading and highlight windows to keep it cool, and its materials are chosen to sit comfortably beside the original Federation cottage. It follows passive, low-energy principles throughout, from earth coupling, high-performance insulation and cross-ventilation to on-site water storage and provision for solar panels later.
At the front, a reworked façade, new fencing and covered access to parking complete the changes.
The design remains a concept. As with many parts of Sydney, the house is now under consideration by developers for demolition and luxury apartments – and, as often happens, it may sit in limbo for years while offers are made and not followed through.
