This tired Arts and Crafts-style residence in the Ku-ring-gai council desperately needed renewal. Once an uninspiring “ugly duckling,” it has been reimagined as a striking, crafted family residence with timeless appeal.
The key to the transformation was reworking the mansard-style roof and breaking down its massing. The design brought depth, detail, and elegance to the rooflines by introducing sculptural elements such as bay windows and balconies. These carefully considered features created beautiful proportions, emphasising sophistication and charm, giving the home a commanding new presence in the streetscape.
Another significant design aspect was the complete re-planning of the family room above the garage. Once an under-utilised space, it was redesigned to open onto new verandahs at both the front and rear of the home. This allowed the room to connect with the outdoors while maximising natural light and capturing the property’s western aspects.
The result is a classic Roseville family home combining heritage charm and contemporary refinement. Sculpted rooflines, detailed balconies, and bay windows have given the property a richness of detail that commands attention and admiration. Inside, the re-planned spaces flow effortlessly to the outdoors, delivering a home that works beautifully for modern family living.
The success of the transformation is perhaps best captured in the words of the clients:
“John Hooghuis, the Design Director at Playoust Churcher Architects, had an inherent understanding of the brief, and his design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth, and detail. It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area. People slow down and stare as they drive past.”
From neglected and dated to admired and celebrated, this project demonstrates the power of considered design to completely redefine a home’s character and standing in the community

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most prestigious municipalities. Playoust Churcher Architects provide expert guidance to ensure you realise your property’s and project’s value.
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North Sydney’s Council regulations for residential renovations can be complex. Playoust Churcher Architects understands the nuances and offers expert and experienced advice.
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Lane Cove Council prioritises sustainability and bushland preservation, often requiring careful environmental considerations.
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Hunters Hill, one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities, has strict heritage conservation rules, making renovations in the area particularly intricate.
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While progressive in its approach to modern development, Willoughby Council enforces stringent height, bulk, and character controls to maintain the area’s aesthetic integrity.
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“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.
They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”
Justin & Marek
“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.
We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”
Nadia & Jamieson
“Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.
It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”
Kate & Scott
“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.
They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”
LisaThis renovation transformed a suburban family home into a refined, contemporary residence with enhanced spatial flow, natural light and indoor-outdoor connectivity—all tailored to Roseville’s leafy, residential character.
Roseville is governed by Ku‑ring‑gai Council and includes heritage and conservation overlays that regulate façade character, building height, and material selection. We help clients design homes that meet regulatory requirements while delivering contemporary form and function.
We use zoning strategies to separate public and private areas, incorporate passive solar orientation, and integrate indoor-outdoor zones. The Roseville design maximises daylight while preserving privacy through thoughtful layout and screening.
Yes. Our design principles—such as careful site response, light manipulation and refined spatial planning—can be applied across suburbs like Lindfield, Killara, and Turramurra.
Absolutely. If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new custom home in Roseville or the surrounding area, we offer a full architectural service—from feasibility and design concept through to council approvals and project delivery.
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We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.