McKenzie Project - Heritage Meets Innovation

The McKenzie Project is a thoughtful blend of history and modern sustainability. This renovation transformed an existing dwelling by carefully balancing what was kept and what was renewed, resulting in a home that honours its past while embracing the future.

The original west wing was removed and rebuilt to certified Low Energy Building standards by the Passive House Institute (Germany), incorporating full Passive House principles for outstanding thermal performance and year-round comfort. Meanwhile, the retained east wing was upgraded to achieve an 8-star energy efficiency rating, ensuring the whole home performs to an exceptional standard.

Visually, the design unites old and new. The rebuilt west wing deliberately introduces a modern architectural form and contemporary colour palette, creating a striking counterpoint to the heritage character of the east wing. The result is a cohesive home that feels both grounded in its history and confidently forward-looking – a showcase of how sustainable design can breathe new life into existing homes.