Derek Swalwell - Architectural Photographer

Even during the heat of summer this passive solar design remained cool and kept the family comfortable. Reclaimed materials integrates with the original.

Unlike most renovations, Park Lane House isn't tucked away in a backyard -- it's out there for all to see.

This modern replacement for a derelict weatherboard cottage takes full advantage of the sun, the surf and views of the rolling hills.

From very early on it was clear that a simple box would dramatically improve the amenity of this home. And what a beautiful box it is!

A palette of masonry, timber & stone is pushed to their physical limits. Fairbairn House is a material delight…

At Datum House the ceiling height, rather than extra square meters, creates a generous and varied sense of space (without the cost).

East West House, near the top of Richmond Hill, contains the unexpected. A large roof deck is hidden behind the heritage protected Victorian roofline.

What looks like a contemporary shipping container pops out of this renovated Sandringham House.

Architect Will Harkness placed this holiday home carefully among a number of established Gum Trees to take advantage of the view.

Concrete House features a tapered concrete second story which focuses the view of a garden and the city beyond.

Winscombe Extension deals with a growing family and a strong desire to establish a connection to the manicured rear garden…

On an extremely small parcel of land Beach Avenue House is designed more like a finely crafted joinery unit than a typical home.

Behind these unassuming terraces' heritage facades is an unexpectedly modern home blurring the boundaries between two once separate houses.

Each room of this addition steps down with the contours of the site, while the plan zigzags to access light and connect to the garden.

An elegant and restrained timber addition provides the perfect modern living space for a family of five (plus two energetic dogs).

Even if you're stuck with a south-facing backyard overshadowed by your own house, there's no need to dwell in darkness.

This home's meticulous maintenance record details upkeep such as 'biannual repainting'. It was in A1 condition, but still needed modernising.

And he said, 'Let there be light', and there was light. Thanks to a new double height space, this cottage is transformed.

This home takes advantage of its location near the Botanic Gardens to create a living area which feels like an extension of the garden.

When the inhabitants of your suburban fringe block include a number of old native trees, mimic their style and go timber all over.

When a couple who both have homes designed by the same architect get married, their new home together is bound to be adventurous!

It's difficult to imagine how this tight block in a laneway could become a functional and spacious home and office, but they did it!

A refined and considered home in a new estate shows the power of using an architect versus buying off-the-plan from a bulk builder.

With only minor changes over its 50-year life, this mid-century home retained its original charm but desperately needed a little TLC.

This new addition is unquestionably modern, but it has an enduring, timeless quality which makes old and new perfect companions.

An avid collector needed a place to display and enjoy his assortment of quirky objects. Enter Über Shed 2, a shed/rumpus room/gallery.

'It's the way things have always been done' doesn't mean it's the best solution! Questioning the norm can unlock hidden gold...

Pooling for a pool: would you join forces with your parents to create the ultimate inner-city pad complete with a rooftop pool?

Imagine having a classic modernist house in the family for three generations? How would you sensitively renovate it?

Every good architectural story needs a hero. In this renovation, it's a striking bookshelf which screens a work-from-home space...

What does the dream home of a multi-creative look like? Beautiful details, a relaxed beach house vibe and a healthy splash of colour.

A secret sawtooth roof, sunlight galore, and a music studio—see how this early 20th-century home quietly hides a big modern surprise.