Christies Beach Extension

Christies Beach Extension: Breathing New Life into an Outdated Home

A home should evolve with the people who live in it, which is exactly what we achieved with this full-scale Christies Beach extension and renovation. We were entrusted with transforming an older, outdated residence into a refined, light-filled sanctuary that now suits the needs and lifestyle of its modern family.

Located in one of Adelaide’s most relaxed coastal suburbs, this Christies Beach home had great bones but lacked natural light, flow, and the kind of contemporary finishes the owners dreamed of. The solution? A carefully planned extension that opened the home up, modernised every room, and elevated its functionality and comfort for years to come.

A Seamless Extension That Respects the Original While Enhancing It

One of the key objectives of this Christies Beach extension was to add generous new living spaces while bringing cohesion between the old and new. The new layout integrates seamlessly with the existing structure, preserving the charm of the original while introducing thoughtful upgrades throughout.

The rear extension reimagined the kitchen, dining and living zones entirely. At the heart of the new space, three large skylights were installed above the living and kitchen areas, flooding the interior with natural light and immediately making the space feel bigger, brighter and more welcoming. What was once a dark and disconnected home is now open, inviting, and full of architectural interest.

High-End Kitchen with Designer Finishes

The kitchen was designed as a showpiece, but also as a hardworking family space. It features high-end cabinetry, premium fixtures, and elegant lighting selections that reflect the client’s taste for refined simplicity. The space is now not only visually stunning, but also effortlessly functional, with intuitive zones for cooking, prep, and storage.

Clever lighting design, including skylights and curated pendant fittings, ensures the space feels bright and usable at all times of day, something that was completely missing in the original floorplan.

A Sunken Lounge Made for Relaxed Living

The design flows naturally from the kitchen into a sunken lounge, delivering both visual interest and a strong sense of comfort. This unique space is centred around a fireplace and wall-mounted television, creating a warm, intimate zone for family downtime and entertaining.

In-built bench seating with integrated storage lines the lounge space, maximising practicality without sacrificing the clean, modern aesthetic. Oversized windows and doors open to the rear of the property, drawing in afternoon light and creating a direct connection to the outdoor entertaining area.

Natural Light Transformed the Entire Home

One of the standout successes of this project was how much natural light was introduced throughout the home. Prior to the renovation, much of the existing home was dark and closed-in, but with the strategic use of skylights, open-plan design, and large glazed elements, the entire feel of the home has shifted.

Skylights were also added to the newly updated bathroom, turning it from a purely functional zone into a calming, light-filled retreat. The adjacent laundry received a modern facelift, continuing the refined material palette used throughout the home.

Outdoor Entertaining with Spa-Style Comfort

Stepping outside, the new extension includes a purpose-built outdoor entertaining area featuring a sunken spa. This addition brings a luxurious element to the backyard, offering year-round relaxation and the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day. It reflects how thoughtful extensions don’t just add space; they enhance lifestyle and wellbeing.

A True Transformation with Lasting Value

This Christies Beach extension project is a perfect example of what’s possible when thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship, and client collaboration come together. From the sunlit kitchen and inviting lounge to the outdoor spa and subtle modernisation of every corner, this home now meets the needs of its owners, not just functionally, but emotionally.

At Dornford Building Group, we believe that your home should reflect how you want to live, and we’re proud to have helped this family realise their vision with care, creativity, and clarity.