The Empire

Residential
Alteration and Addition
2019
Whadjuk
City Beach

Photographer
Dion Robeson

Styling
Jo Carmichael

Structural Engineer
Reed Engineers

Energy Efficiency Assessor
Structere

Building Surveyor
John Massey Group

Modern house exterior with patio and pool, woman walking near glass fence.

Design it light and airy

When the owners of this home came across a rundown home in City Beach, they were struck with the instant connection they had with not only with the space, but its history too. Sitting proud as part of the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games Village homes for the athletes, it was one of few buildings still standing.

The active family with a love of the outdoors and sporting knew it was the home for them, but it was tired, its layout had functionality issues and it was in dire need of extra spaces; this is where Dalecki Design stepped in. The team were engaged to work with the existing structure, encouraged to stay respectful and retain the charm of its original 60’s form.

The space had to embrace an indoor-connection, feel light and airy, and couldn’t be too precious - with two little ones in tow, it needed to be spacious and child-friendly.

Its original layout worked in the team's favour, with existing courtyards to the east and west ends of the corridor connecting the two separate wings of the home. Overall, these courtyards were showcased further with the addition of full height glazing opening up these exterior zones.

To enhance the feeling of space and the functionality of the layout, walls were removed within the living zone and the laundry space was also taken away to create a more free-flowing layout, along with allowing the addition of more windows that provided the desired indoor/outdoor connection. 

These changes created a dual effect. The parents have natural light pouring into the kitchen whilst they can also see their kids playing outside.

The parents are now also able to relax in their own master suite, with private ensuite, large walk in robe and a built-in day bed with additional storage built-in. The suite provides a private, hidden nook separate from the main living spaces to retreat after a busy day - another feature that was high on the owners wish list.

Materials and tones were kept simple, yet striking, with the updated monochromatic exterior allowing the nostalgic 60’s form to be the main statement.

Modern backyard with a swimming pool, patio, glass fencing, seating area, and trees in the background.
Modern outdoor patio with dining table, chairs, and plants under a covered area, surrounded by greenery and featuring a palm tree in the background.
Modern kitchen and dining area with hardwood floors, large wooden dining table, black chairs, white cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The room features a potted plant, glass walls, and a view of a patio.
Modern backyard with pool, patio furniture, glass railing, and covered outdoor dining area.
Modern interior with a wooden dining table, black chairs, and large windows showing greenery outside. There's a dark kitchen island with plants on it, and the space has wooden floors and minimal decor.
Modern kitchen with two people talking, large black and white cabinets, greenery centerpiece, and wood flooring.
Modern living room with a large blue sectional sofa, accent pillows, coffee table, abstract wall art, TV, armchair, and sliding glass doors leading to a patio with trees outside.
Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, black faucet, white vessel sink, hexagonal tiled backsplash, and a black vase with greenery.
Modern bathroom with a round mirror, white vessel sink, wall-mounted faucet, indoor plant, wooden vanity, and gray textured tiles.
A modern bedroom with a dark blue accent wall, a pendant light, and a wooden bed with white and tan bedding. A woman and a child sit on a built-in bench near a window, under a large abstract painting. A small potted plant and a book are on the bedside table.

From the Owners

Amazing!! We engaged Janik for a renovation we wanted to complete. He designed the alteration and addition, ran the council and approvals process and also tendered out the design to several builders. From the very first contact Janik was amazing. He was personable, genuine and an absolute professional. Janik spent the time to truly understand ours needs and brief. He fulfilled the brief and exceeded our expectations presenting solutions we couldn’t have thought of ourselves. He set timeframes and always met or exceeded these and if something didn’t quite go to plan, he kept us informed every step of the way. He was flexible and quick to assist or make any changes we had, he was always available to help and provide his opinion even after he had completed the tender process and scope of work. Janik is a truly talented designer and we would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He now feels like part of the family and would be our first point of call if we have another project in the future.

Derek and Jessica