Eco-friendly weatherboard renovation: Open for inspection report

Who: Dawn and Sven Maxa, owners of sustainable building design firm Maxa Design
What: A 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom family home
Where: Nunawading, Vic
Style: Eco style

Highlights: Beautiful use of timber and texture, with pops of colour to highlight zones

The project This home is a great example of taking an ageing weatherboard home and using modern sustainable principles to give it a new lease of life. From the street, you’d never expect this home to hide behind the tall fence. The couple limited labour and costs by keeping to the original home’s footprint, and completed the renovation over a series of stages.

Layout and creating zones Apart from the home’s sustainable building practices, one of the most successful elements is the clever demarcation between zones. Dawn and Sven have created clear room spaces, without giving the layout a boxed-in feel. They’ve achieved that by using natural timber dividers that relate to the floor and furniture, creating a seamless flow that doesn’t jar. This clean-line approach continues out onto the deck and outdoor living spaces.

Colour palette Working back from the rustic wood tones, Dawn has chosen to go with bold charcoal and pops of colour, without overdoing it. She loves yellow – it appears as a highlight colour throughout the home – and she also adds pattern and texture with soft furnishings. We particularly love the choice of rugs and cushions in the living spaces.

Want to take a look inside? Take a virtual tour of this home here.

Our partner Circa Home has given us some simple tips for finding the right fragrance for you!

• Find a scent that matches you; your home is a reflection of you and your personality
• If you love the gorgeous perfume of fresh flowers, find a floral fragrance (Jasmine & Magnolia)
• Love to bake? Look for something with delicious aromatics (Vanilla Bean & Allspice)
• If you’re into a clean and modern look, go for a refreshing scent with citrus notes (Pear & Lime)