Before
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
House Floor Size 120 m2
After
- 5 Bedrooms
- 3.5 Bathrooms
- House Floor Size 170 m2
Project Overview:
The project involved extending the existing home on a steep, rocky site with significant construction constraints. The most pressing challenge was dealing with the solid rock throughout the entire area designated for the extension. To ensure the home complied with Flame Zone requirements while also addressing the difficult terrain, we devised a detailed, multi-phase plan.
Initial Site Preparation:
The location for the extension was at the bottom of a long, steep driveway, which presented logistical challenges in terms of accessibility for excavation trucks and heavy machinery. We worked closely with the excavation team to ensure that trucks could safely navigate the steep driveway and access the site. This coordination allowed us to proceed without delays.
Once on-site, it became clear that the entire area was filled with dense rock, which would need to be completely removed to allow space for the extension’s foundation.
To address this, we brought in a rock cutting saw and jackhammers, which were used for five weeks to create a large cutout in the rock face. This intensive excavation work was essential to clear the space needed for laying the slab.
Slab Design & Construction:
Once the rock was removed, it became apparent that the existing house was positioned higher on one side, creating an uneven foundation for the extension. To accommodate this, we designed a suspended slab that would span the removed rock face and meet the height requirements of the existing structure.
This was a critical aspect of the project, as it involved precise engineering to ensure the stability of both the extension and the existing house. The suspended slab had to be carefully aligned, and its installation required meticulous planning and execution to ensure that it complied with both structural integrity and fire safety standards.
Building Access & Stair Construction:
Underneath the existing house were two rooms that were not accessible from the top floor. To provide access, we created a staircase that connected these rooms to the new extension.
The challenge here was that, once again, the area was filled with rock, and excavation beneath the house needed to be done by hand to create a foundation for the staircase. This was a labor-intensive process, requiring three weeks of hand jackhammering in a confined, dusty space.
Despite the tough conditions, we successfully completed the excavation and built the necessary foundation for the stairs to land on.
Finishing Touches:
Once the structural work was completed, we moved forward with the interior finishing touches. This included laying new flooring throughout the extension and completing the ensuite in the bedroom. The final touches also included painting and ensuring that all bushfire protection measures were fully in place.
Cost-Saving & Sustainability:
One of the major advantages of this project was that we were able to keep the excavated rock on-site, saving significant costs associated with transporting it off-site. Given the large size of the property, we spread the rock across the site, which not only saved money but also improved the overall landscape and drainage.
Key Challenges Overcome:
Navigating steep, rocky terrain for construction
Complying with stringent Flame Zone bushfire regulations
Excavating large amounts of rock to create space for a suspended slab
Building access for rooms under the house via a staircase in a confined, rocky space
Minimizing costs through on-site rock disposal and reuse
Client Testimonial:
“We were impressed with the level of skill and dedication the team brought to our project. From the rock removal to the final touches on the extension, everything was handled with professionalism and expertise. It was a tough job, but the final result was more than worth it.”
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Preliminaries | $19,789.00 |
| Excavation & Drmolition | $30,300.83 |
| Plumbing | $6,173.41 |
| Concrete | $16,707.87 |
| Termite Treatment | $2,329.10 |
| Carpentry | $60,394.26 |
| Structural Steel | $2,329.10 |
| Brickwork | $1,410.83 |
| Windows | $9,240.50 |
| Stainless Steel Flame zone Fire Shutters | $10,500.00 |
| Timber Stair Case | $8,000.00 |
| Roofing + Fire Blanket | $21,000.00 |
| Electical | $7,512.55 |
| Insulation | $1,361.40 |
| Plaster | $9,753.15 |
| Painting & Flooring | $10,806.21 |
| Aluminum Decking | $15, 000 |
| Total | $232,399.36 |
Conclusion
This project was one of our most challenging to date, due to the difficult site conditions, the need for specialized bushfire compliance, and the labor-intensive excavation work. However, the end result was a successful extension that blended seamlessly with the existing home, with all fire safety regulations met and a beautiful new living space for the client.
Despite the significant challenges along the way, including working under harsh conditions and dealing with complex terrain, it was immensely satisfying to see the final product come together. The client was thrilled with the outcome, and we are proud to have been part of such a challenging yet rewarding project.
