Cook Extension

A compact extension creating a vibrant family home connected to the outdoors

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Located in the North Canberra suburb of Cook, this carefully designed home extension transforms an existing house into a functional 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home with the addition of a flexible multipurpose room. Rather than building larger than necessary, the design focuses on making every square metre work harder—creating spaces that better support the everyday lives of a growing family of five.

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At the heart of the renovation is a generous open plan living area that flows seamlessly onto an elevated timber deck nestled beneath a magnificent established tree. Designed to blur the boundary between inside and out, the extension encourages the family to spend more time outdoors, creating a natural connection between the living spaces and the rear garden.

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A new bedroom wing provides each family member with their own retreat while remaining connected to the rest of the home. Linked by a light-filled corridor with direct access to the garden, the extension creates a strong relationship between the private spaces and the outdoors.

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A unique feature of the design is a discreet north-facing outdoor day bed positioned outside the older children's bedrooms. This quiet garden space provides somewhere to read, relax or enjoy the winter sunshine away from the activity of the main living areas, recognising the changing needs of growing children and creating opportunities for both connection and independence.

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Inside, a playful palette of colour has been carefully integrated throughout the home, bringing warmth, personality and joy to the interiors. Combined with abundant natural light and a strong connection to the landscape, the result is a home that feels vibrant, welcoming and perfectly suited to modern family life.

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This Canberra home extension demonstrates how a modest addition, combined with thoughtful planning, can completely transform the way a family lives—creating a home that is functional, flexible and connected to both nature and each other.