A Tocumwal Delight

Tocumwals are a common fixture in Canberra’s inner north suburb of O’Connor. Originally built in the NSW town of Tocumwal, they were moved to Canberra to help with a housing shortage in the post war period of the late 1940s. Most of them were sited on 8 cul de sacs which have become the Tocumwal Heritage Precinct.

The Tocumwal Delight is part of the heritage listed precinct, and was an early project for the Mill team which was then built lovingly by its owners over several years.

We have worked on several homes within the heritage precinct over the years, but the Tocumwal Delight is the most extensive of our projects to date. Requiring more space and a dramatically improved thermal performance, whilst at the same time celebrating what makes the Tocumwal so special, the design centred around creating a high performing extension to the rear of the original dwelling. This space, connected by a small glazed link, can operate in isolation from the main house, or as a combined whole of old and new. Designed to embrace the north facing yard and spectacular deciduous tree, the extension uses a sawtooth form to collect morning light. The extension houses the new main living areas and kitchen, as well as office, primary bedroom, workshop and store.

Completing the build over several years allowed our clients to invest the required time and budget to then refurbishing the heritage front dwelling to a beautiful new glory. Removing a strong paint pallet by previous owners, the refreshed Tocumwal presents a generous and considered face to the street and wider precinct, whilst still offering joy and a much loved bit of whimsy.

Build: Owner Builder

Photography: Darma Photography