Modern Ensuite Extension at Kewarra Beach

At Smith & Sons Cairns, we love transforming houses into spaces that precisely captures the demands and preferences of its owners, and this is perfectly demonstrated by a recent extension project in Cairns. The client is an expat family who originally hailed from Scotland and the house was initially a standard four-bedroom, one-bathroom home.

The client’s vision was clear: to create an additional ensuite and add more space for their growing family. With budget constraints and a need for both functionality and style, we were most definitely up for the challenge, while also making sure that every key element aligned with their lifestyle needs without having to compromise on both style and quality

Our Clients, Their Vision

Our clients came to us with a clear concept: as a young, energetic family, they needed more space, privacy, and functionality to keep up with their rapidly growing children. Their main goal was to add a second bathroom to ease the incessant chaos of sharing just one. In addition to improving practicality, they also wanted a timeless design, something that would remain stylish and relevant for years to come, but also avoiding trends that could quickly go out of style.

The Challenges and Our Creative Solutions

The family originally came to us with plans already engineered and certified for the extension. However, we advised that the extension, as documented, was going to exceed their achievable budget. We worked  in close collaboration with them to develop a more economical strategy that prioritised the things that were most important to them: a newly designed ensuite expansion for the parents. We then utilised our DPC (Design, Plan and Construct) team to design and document the client’s desired requirements  within their budget.

We recommended a timber and steel frame extension to the house's original block construction, which was a  more economical solution. Instead of just blending the extension in, we made it a feature with gorgeous weatherboard  cladding and painting it a more neutral tone.

The ensuite itself was a  sleek and contemporary ensuite bathroom with a roomy walk-in shower, a chic vanity, and a new toilet which provided the much-needed privacy that the parents clamoured for to remove them from the early morning bustle. The clients opted for a  monochromatic colour scheme to give the room a modern and classic feel, while maintaining its timelessness.

Overcoming Obstacles

As with any renovation, there were a few unexpected challenges. Midway through the project, the clients expressed doubts about the wall tiles they had chosen. After discussing their concerns and suggesting they wait to see the finished result with the grout, they ultimately decided to keep the tiles and were thrilled with the outcome.

To highlight, the renovation features tiles from Beaumont Tiles in a combination of Belga Charcoal and Warehouse White. For the external walls, painted cladding was used on the extension, serving as a distinct visual feature. High-quality Reece Plumbing fixtures were installed for both style and durability.

A Smooth, Stress-Free Experience

Throughout the process, the clients remarked on how easy and stress-free the renovation felt, even for a project of this scale. Our team worked closely with them to ensure minimal disruption to their daily lives. By the end, the family was overjoyed with their new ensuite, which had made a huge difference in their day-to-day routine.

The addition of their new space has significantly improved the clients' routines, offering convenience and eliminating the morning rush of sharing a bathroom with their children. Throughout the project, Smith & Sons Cairns ensured a smooth and stress-free process, from initial planning to final completion. By closely collaborating with the clients, we were able to overcome budget constraints and design challenges, ultimately delivering a beautiful, functional space that will serve the family for years to come.