Lyneham Extension

A carefully considered extension bringing light, privacy and a stronger connection to the garden

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Located in Lyneham, Canberra, this split-level 1970s townhouse has been thoughtfully transformed through a modest rear extension and targeted internal reconfiguration. Rather than replacing what already worked, the design builds upon the home's original character—creating a more functional, light-filled family home while preserving its best qualities.

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Like many Canberra townhouses of the era, the original three-bedroom, one-bathroom home offered limited living space and poor access to natural light. Although the living room benefited from a single north-facing window, the kitchen and dining area felt dark and disconnected, while the growing family also required a private master suite and a larger dining space. Importantly, the clients wished to retain their recently renovated kitchen, requiring a creative design solution.

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Our response was to make minimal changes to the existing home while extending along the southern boundary. This approach allowed the home to grow without sacrificing valuable northern solar access or reducing the rear garden—preserving both the home's energy performance and its connection to the landscape.

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The extension introduces a generous new dining room framed by a large picture window overlooking the established garden, creating a calm and light-filled space for family meals. Beyond, a private master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite provides a peaceful retreat, carefully positioned to enhance privacy while remaining closely connected to the rest of the home.

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A spacious elevated deck links the original living room with the new dining space, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors and encouraging everyday living to extend into the garden. This strong connection to nature has become one of the defining qualities of the home.

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Throughout the project, careful attention was given to ensuring the extension felt like a natural evolution of the original townhouse. The existing kitchen window was transformed into a beautifully detailed arched servery, referencing an original archway elsewhere in the home. This curved design language continues through the tapware selections and custom balustrade, creating subtle architectural continuity between the original house and the new addition.

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Internally, a palette of deep greens, natural timbers and carefully curated planting draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, bringing warmth, personality and a sense of tranquillity to the interiors while celebrating the character of the original 1970s home.

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This Lyneham townhouse extension demonstrates how a carefully planned renovation and modest extension can dramatically improve functionality, natural light and liveability. By working with the existing home rather than against it, the project delivers a comfortable, energy-efficient family home that feels spacious, connected and built to stand the test of time.