Vanessa Wegner Architect's Sustainable Renovation Breathes New Life into a Newcastle Cottage

Project Name: Tighes Hill Recycled House

Office Name: Vanessa Wegner Architect

Principal Architect: Vanessa Wegner

Project Completion: 2023

Project Location: Tighes Hill, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Status: Built

Gross Build Area (sq m): 183

Photo Credits: Katherine Lu

Builder: Matthew Wegner

Structural Engineer: Chad Skelton

Landscape Design: Linda Ross

Revitalizing a Newcastle Gem: The Tighes Hill Recycled House Renovation

Once a modest miner’s cottage, the Tighes Hill Recycled House in Newcastle, NSW, has been transformed into a beloved two-storey family home through a substantial renovation and expansion. Owner-builder Matthew Wegner and his wife Alex enlisted the expertise of Vanessa Wegner from the Sydney-based architectural firm Vanessa Wegner Architect to reimagine their living space.

Transforming a Cottage with Sustainable Design

The project’s primary goal was clear: to renovate and enhance the home to suit their family of four. “The cottage featured a deteriorated 1960s rear extension filled with asbestos,” Vanessa Wegner explains. “Our focus was to create a functional, comfortable family residence while optimizing park views and reusing materials as much as possible.”

Driven by a shared passion for sustainability, Vanessa aimed to design a contemporary yet inviting home that embraced natural light and its surroundings.

Restoration and Modern Additions

The original front cottage was carefully restored, maintaining its modest street appearance while concealing a modern transformation within. A new second-storey parents’ retreat was added, introducing a striking double-height void to the main living area. This architectural feature enhances natural ventilation and expands the home’s footprint. The gable roof design preserves the cottage’s traditional profile while optimizing north-facing exposure for solar panels.

Innovative Design Solutions

Privacy and park views were key design considerations. A unique solution was implemented: a recycled brick garage with a green roof positioned at the rear. This versatile space currently functions as a workshop and adds a layer of privacy. Designed with future adaptability in mind, the garage opens to the park and could potentially serve as a ‘hole in the wall’ cafe, fostering community connections.

“The green roof garage has significantly enhanced the property,” Vanessa notes. “We aimed to avoid increasing the roof height excessively, so we planted succulents, chosen by landscape architect Linda Ross. It has become a standout feature of the backyard.”

Sustainable Features and Material Reuse

Sustainability is a hallmark of the Tighes Hill Recycled House. “My brother’s expertise in reusing materials was invaluable,” Vanessa says. Reclaimed hardwood from the old extension was repurposed into bespoke bathroom screens, while original terrazzo countertops were salvaged and transformed into vanity tops with repurposed steel bases.

Recycled Blackbutt timber flooring adds warmth and complements the eclectic blend of old and new elements throughout the home. “A neighbor was discarding three large palm trees, which my brother rescued and planted in his backyard,” Vanessa shares.

A Home with Heart and Purpose

The end result is a residence that harmoniously combines historical charm with modern, environmentally conscious design. The Tighes Hill Recycled House stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation and sustainable living, offering a unique, warm, and soulful home with expansive views of green parkland.