Green Magazine – Issue 108 MarchApril 2026 – Green Magazine

The existing brickwork was conserved wherever possible. This proved a challenge because the house is a cavity brick construction. in reasonably good condition but internally the brick lining was almost powder after 20 years of exposure to coastal conditions. Spotted gum panelling and patinated brass bring warmth to the space. This light touch was particularly important to creating a sense of cohesion with the surrounding streetscapes.

Curious Practice wanted the extensions to almost camouflage into the existing surroundings, having seen many poorly renovated heritage buildings in Newcastle being knocked down or becoming infamous eyesores. “Heritage contexts require an almost stealth-like approach,” Lee reflects. The new corrugated tin roof was key to this sensitive design. Rather than being a continuous shape, the roof folds and morphs – almost like a piece of paper folded origami style – to suit the unique personalities of two streets that the house straddles. If viewed from the Fort Drive side, the house looks fairly traditional – the new terrace sits in front of a triangular, gable roof and is accompanied by the original brick work, stained glass windows and a chimney.

When you look at the home from Beach Street, however, it is as if you are looking at a completely different building. The roof has transitioned into a boxy structure resembling a smart tin shed that has been placed onto the existing building. The tin structure is sprinkled with unusually positioned windows of different shapes and sizes, carefully located to catch the north-easterly breeze and sunlight at different times of the year.

This side of the house is “a lot more joyful and less formal,” Lee says. He explains that this architectural language grew from referencing the ubiquity of tin lean-tos and tin renovations in city in the last century. The square, triangular and rectangular windows celebrate the mixed geometry of Beach Street. Internally, Curious Practice focused on opening up the separate, small rooms of the house. There was a need to “cross pollinate some of the living zones so the family could spend more time together as a unit,” Lee explains.

This was achieved through the addition of an open-plan kitchen that connects formerly disparate living zones. A new kidney-shaped bathroom on the lower floor was also introduced, providing necessary amenities while extending the sense of openness with its curved wall creating flow between spaces. Throughout the house, bespoke fittings and details reference the house’s history and occupants, adding new layers of narrative and character to this home.

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AWSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU green partner profile green partner profile :KDWDUHWKHNH\EHQHÀFLDOSURSHUWLHVRIEULFNV” Durability and circularity are key principles of sustainable design and manufacturing. Bricks are among the most durable building materials available and are backed by a 100-year warranty on colourfastness and durability. Unlike many lightweight materials, brick requires little to no ongoing maintenance — it doesn’t need painting, won’t warp or rot, and retains its appearance for generations. Its long life and ability to be reused or recycled make it a cornerstone of the circular economy.

:KHUHGRHV%ULFNZRUNVPDQXIDFWXUH” The Brickworks’ range is produced across Australia. With facilities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, choosing locally manufactured products reduces carbon miles and supports regional industry. :KDWLVWKHSHUFHQWRIUHF\FOHGPDWHULDO” On average, 21% of the Australian raw materials used to make Brickworks products each year is recovered from waste streams or construction site excavations. In some locations, this percentage is VLJQLÀFDQWO\KLJKHU%ULFNZRUNVFDQDOVRFROODERUDWHZLWKGHYHORSHUV to repurpose suitable, clean earth (typically up to 4,000 tonnes) from their projects into brick and paver production.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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