Gilbert Crescent
Before Photos
The brief was to convert a spectacularly located
1970’s building internally from a largely dysfunctional space into something
more open with functionality that better satisfied today’s needs, and then to
optimize the position using the featured views to Magnetic Island looking over
North Ward.
It was a single bathroom, 4 bedroom home and the brief
included extending the main bedroom to include a walk in robe and en-suite, and
replacing the existing bathroom and with the view to re-model it in a way that
would include a bath and separate shower.
A level of difficulty presented itself early on into the
project.
As part of opening up the kitchen, lounge and dining area, it was necessary to
remove a wall that created a hallway between an existing bedroom and kitchen; hallways
burn up a lot of floor area. Removing this wall required an engineered beam
that was initially to run where this wall once existed, hanging under the
ceiling joist with the intention to provide a bulk head finish. After removing
the wall, in order to provide a finer finish we decided to install the beam inside the roof cavity. This was an extremely difficult process as it was an
incredibly low pitch roof of 3 degrees with only just enough space between the
roofing rafters and ceiling joists.
The change meant significantly more work whereby the total
ceiling needed to be stripped and the beam had to be placed in, by hand, internally, through the ceiling. On inspection it will become
more evident how this was possible as the building was a split level which
enabled us to provide an entry point for the beam at this interface. Removing
the roof or any part thereof was not an option as the cost far exceeded the
benefit. These changes were an initiative of Nixon Build to provide a better finish. The suggestion made the job far from easy!
The result is that the lounge kitchen dining area ceiling is unbroken and
provides a lot finer and more contemporary finish.
Nixon Build’s entire team from design to construction pride
themselves on ensuring workmanship of the highest quality. On comparing the end
product with the property we started with, one can appreciate this high level
of finish and attention to detail.
Working with designers, draftsmen and suppliers meant we had to be professional
and accurate in our communication. At all times we were conscious of providing
the owners with up-to-date progress reports on their home.
On reflection now that the project is complete, we know we
have given the owners a home that is aesthetically stunning and one that they
can be justifiably proud of.