James Lane, Balmain

Client:
Residence Owners
Location:
Balmain, NSW

A backyard with a grassy area and a large palm tree, leading up to a weathered wooden house with a rusty red roof. The house is flanked by fences and neighboring structures. Tall buildings are visible in the distant background under a clear blue sky. Overgrown yard with tall grass and vines surrounding an old, weathered house with cracked windows, rusted roofs, and peeling paint. Large tree and various plants fill the neglected outdoor space.

The project faced significant structural challenges, including the need to excavate beneath a house supported by unstable sandstone walls. The house's external walls were found to be leaning outward by 50mm, posing a substantial risk of collapse. This complexity required meticulous planning to ensure the structure's integrity during the excavation and stabilisation process.

To tackle these issues, we engineered and designed custom Buttress Piers that were perfectly matched to the architectural style and structural needs of the house. These piers effectively supported the walls to prevent collapse, while integrating seamlessly into the house’s layout. Additionally, we took meticulous measures to preserve the original sandstone façade, ensuring no damage occurred during the excavation and construction processes.

The implementation of the Buttress Piers stabilised the house, making it safe and secure for the occupants. This not only mitigated the structural risks but also facilitated the creation of a new usable space at the base of the house, which was transformed into a cellar. The project’s success was significant enough to be featured on the television show Restorations Australia, showcasing our innovative approach and the dramatic enhancement of the property.

A curved stone path leads to the steps of a white house with a covered porch. A black metal fence runs along a garden and a swimming pool is visible on the left. The surrounding lawn is green and neatly maintained. View from a porch overlooking a small rectangular swimming pool, surrounded by a fence and garden, with large trees, a stone path, and a glimpse of water in the background under a blue sky. A cozy bedroom with a stone accent wall, two striped pillows, a teddy bear on the bed, a lamp on a bedside table, and colorful artwork hanging on the walls.

A modern two-story house with a grey facade and a corrugated metal roof. It features a large front porch with white railings and two sets of stairs leading up to it. The surrounding area has plants and a neighboring house is partially visible.  A modern house with bright lights is seen at dusk, featuring a balcony, a backyard swimming pool, stone paving, and a fenced garden. Apartment buildings are visible in the background under a cloudy evening sky. A backyard swimming pool with gray stone tiles, surrounded by a black metal fence, landscaping rocks, and two black lounge chairs at the far end near trees and neighboring houses.

Bright, modern living and dining area with wooden floors, stone divider, and contemporary furniture. Large dining table in back, white armchairs, TV, colorful art, and light streaming through a window on the right. A long wooden dining table with ten ornate chairs is set in a bright room with white walls, a stone fireplace, and a window letting in natural light. Small decorative items are placed on the table. Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, marble countertops, a sink, and a built-in stovetop. Under-cabinet lighting highlights a stone backsplash. A laptop and other small items are visible on the counter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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