Wanniassa Reconfigure

An internal reconfiguration enhancing light, flow and solar passive living

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Located in Wanniassa, Canberra, this internal renovation reimagines the home’s layout to create a brighter, more connected living environment. The original kitchen, dining and lounge were separate and inward-looking, limiting natural light and flow.

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Through a considered internal reconfiguration, these spaces have been opened up into a single sun-filled open plan living area. A key move in the design was expanding the northern window to a large sliding door—strengthening the connection to the outdoors and allowing winter sun to penetrate deep into the home.

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The living space now extends onto a new outdoor deck, designed as an integral part of the home rather than an add-on. An open pergola with deciduous vines provides seasonal shading—welcoming sunlight in winter while offering protection in summer—supporting the home’s solar passive performance.

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A defining feature of the project is a custom-built open shelving unit, designed to display the client’s collection of brightly coloured glassworks. This element acts as a subtle room divider while introducing personality and visual interest to the space. The collection inspired a broader, playful use of colour throughout the home—adding warmth and individuality to the otherwise calm, light-filled interior.

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This Wanniassa renovation demonstrates how targeted internal changes can significantly improve natural light, spatial flow and energy efficiency—transforming the way a home is lived in without increasing its footprint.