Restoring a Heritage Workers’ Cottage
This Bunbury build represents a special milestone for MarkB Building — our first repeat client.
The project was a new home for their eldest son and his young family, tailored to blend heritage character with modern family living.
The original home, a weathered workers’ cottage, had been left derelict for years.
With Bunbury City Council approvals, we undertook a delicate operation to:
- Lift and shift the home 1.5 metres across the block
- Raise it by 400mm to comply with local minimum height requirements
- Enable future development of the rear portion of the property
This move was key to unlocking the site’s full potential — both in terms of accessibility and planning compliance.
Structural Renovation from the Ground Up
The existing structure was taken back to its framework, allowing us to fully rebuild with integrity and precision. Key works included:
- Re-stumping and re-levelling the home
- Straightening and relining internal walls
- Upgrading foundations and subfloors to current standards
This level of rebuild ensures the long-term durability and liveability of the home, without compromising its heritage value.
Extending for Family Living: From 2×1 to 4×2
Once structurally sound, we undertook a significant rear extension to transform the layout:
- Original 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage
- Reimagined as a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom custom home
- Designed to suit a young family’s evolving lifestyle
Every detail was considered — from spatial flow to natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency — creating a home that honours its past while embracing the future.
