To The Mil transformed this Clovelly residence, earning top honours at the 2025 MBA Excellence in Housing Awards in the $800,001 to $1 million category for house alterations and additions.
For Clovelly House, this young family upsizing to a larger house wanted to modernise the existing home which was last renovated 20 years ago. As the owners often have family visiting from overseas, one of the major facets of the renovation was to upgrade the existing dark and damp granny flat to the underside of the garage into a space where parents and visitors could comfortably stay when visiting Sydney.
The plan for Clovelly House, designed by John Brown Projects, involved opening up the windows to the view and allowing light to enter the building, in addition to new joinery throughout and new bathrooms to main living areas. Windows and doors were renewed with soundproofing and double glazing. The existing pool was also demolished and relocated to create a safe pool for young children.
The owners lived in the house during the renovation to reduce costs, however, when they travelled overseas for a limited period, all the team was needed on site to complete interior works. This required accurate site measures, calculations and pre-planning.
The steep site and narrow street access made the team think outside the square to get materials onto the site. Access was organised through a neighbour’s garden, and allowed To The Mil to transport oversized glazing to site with no damage and minimal time delays.
Landscaping to the courtyard and rear enhance the flow and encourages indoor/outdoor living. The latest sound and airtight windows and doors used to the courtyard maximise airflow and natural light. Oversized glazing panels feature to the ground floor living area.
State-of-the-art interior design has enhanced the living space for young adults and children to make best use of the house.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: A challenging fit-out, executed to a high standard, featuring premium double-glazed Vitrosca doors and windows. With crane access unavailable from the front, the builder secured rear access via a neighbouring school. First-class workmanship with skilled trade work throughout.
For more information
TO THE MIL PTY LTD
Tel: 9399 8800
Design: Clovelly House
Photography: Simon Wood Photography
