ONE OF CANBERRA’S MOST EXPERIENCED BUILDERS

Weston, Canberra

Complete Renovation

Internal Renovation — Reconfiguration & Modernisation

A Refined Internal Transformation Focused on Space, Light, and Everyday Functionality

When the Weston clients engaged Graham Kemp Building, their goal was clear: to modernise the heart of their home and dramatically improve the flow between living spaces. This project focused on reworking the existing footprint to create a more open, connected, and light-filled interior suited to contemporary family living.

Through careful planning, structural expertise, and thoughtful detailing, the Weston home was transformed from a compartmentalised layout into a cohesive, welcoming space.

CLIENT BRIEF

The clients sought a complete internal reconfiguration, including:

• Removal of the existing kitchen and laundry
• Removal of multiple internal walls
• Removal of a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and family room
• Creation of a larger, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area
• A new laundry with bi-fold doors
• Renovation of the existing bathroom and WC
• A new front entry door with a glazed sidelight to improve natural light and street presence

The aim was to improve circulation, maximise usable space, and bring more light into the centre of the home — all while maintaining structural integrity and quality finishes.

PROJECT WORKS OVERVIEW

1. Internal Demolition & Structural Works

The project began with extensive internal demolition, including:

• Careful removal of the existing kitchen and laundry
• Demolition of internal walls to open up the layout
• Removal of a key load-bearing wall between the kitchen and family room

This stage required detailed structural planning and precise execution to safely support the home while creating the new open-plan configuration.

2. Open-Plan Kitchen, Dining & Family Living

With structural works complete, the home was reconfigured to deliver:

• A significantly enlarged kitchen zone
• Improved connection between kitchen, dining, and family spaces
• Clear sightlines and better flow for everyday living and entertaining

The result is a central living area that feels spacious, functional, and perfectly suited to modern family life.

3. New Laundry with Bi-Fold Doors

A brand-new laundry was constructed, featuring:

• A more efficient layout
• Bi-fold doors for flexible access and visual separation
• Improved functionality for daily household use

This space was designed to be practical while remaining visually integrated with the rest of the home.

4. Bathroom & WC Renovation

The existing bathroom and WC were fully renovated to provide:

• Updated layouts and contemporary finishes
• Improved comfort and usability
• A cohesive design that complements the newly renovated living areas

These upgrades added both comfort and long-term value to the home.

5. New Front Entry with Glazed Sidelight

To enhance the home’s arrival experience, Graham installed:

• A new front entry door
• A glazed sidelight to introduce additional natural light

This subtle but impactful upgrade improved both street appeal and the internal atmosphere of the home.

THE RESULT

The Weston project demonstrates how thoughtful internal renovation can completely transform a home without increasing its footprint. The finished outcome delivers:

• A spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area
• Improved flow and functionality throughout the interior
• Modernised laundry, bathroom, and WC
• Enhanced natural light through the new front entry
• Carefully executed structural modifications
• A cohesive, contemporary living environment

Through precise structural work and refined interior planning, Graham Kemp Building successfully reimagined the Weston home into a brighter, more functional space tailored for modern living.

The client came back to Graham Kemp Building to remove and replace all Existing windows and sliding doors with double glazed comfort plus windows and sliding doors.

Giralang, Canberra

Complete Renovation

Design & Construct — Extension & Internal Renovation

A bold, multi-level transformation on a challenging battleaxe block

When the Giralang clients approached Graham Kemp Building, they were ready to dramatically reimagine their brick-veneer home. Their vision was ambitious: a full extension combined with major internal alterations — all on a property with one of the steepest, tightest driveways in the street.

This project required not only design sensitivity, but also deep structural knowledge and exceptional construction planning. Fortunately, those are exactly the strengths of Graham and his long-standing team.

CLIENT BRIEF

The clients requested a major expansion of lifestyle and living spaces, including:

• A new front entry
• A triple garage
• A new lounge room
• A master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe
• A lower-level rumpus with bathroom and laundry
• A rear deck overlooking the swimming pool
• Internal alterations to the existing home including a new kitchen, new family room, and new bathroom

The goal: turn an inflexible 1970s/80s residence into a multi-level, modern family home with generous entertaining spaces and better connection to the outdoors.

THE SITE — A MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE

The property was located at the end of a battleaxe block on�Baracchi Crescent, Giralang, accessible only by:

• A narrow, steep driveway
• A tight turning circle at the rear of the block
• A building site that fell steeply toward the street

This made excavation, deliveries, crane operations, and material handling extremely challenging.

Graham’s extensive experience working on difficult sites was crucial to planning safe, efficient access for all plant, equipment, and construction materials.

1. Complex Demolition & Structural Preparation

Before new works could begin, Graham had to prior to the extension into the existing residence — a process requiring:

• Careful propping of the existing floors, walls, and roof structure
• Removal of brick veneer brickwork down to the floor-level base brick
• Removal of the original concrete footings
• Demolition of the old side patio
• Creation of access for excavation of the lower-level extension area

This was delicate work — requiring precision to protect structural integrity of the existing home while preparing it for major expansion.

2.Excavation & Footings for the Lower-Level Extension

Graham’s team excavated for:

• New concrete footings
• Base brickwork
• Lower-level construction

All this had to be completed within tight physical constraints, requiring careful coordination to bring machinery safely down the narrow driveway and around the limited building envelope.

Once the site was cut and prepped, the new lower-level slab was poured — establishing the foundation for the new rumpus, laundry, and bathroom.

3. Triple Garage & New Driveway

A new triple garage was constructed at entry level, including:

• New garage slab
• Reconfigured driveway
• Improved parking, turning, and vehicle access

This created a functional street-level entry and anchored the new extension.

4. New Lower-Level Rumpus + Laundry + Bathroom

The lower level became a major new living zone, featuring:

• A spacious rumpus room
• A new laundry
• A bathroom ideal for multi-level family living or guest stays

The two storey extension integrated seamlessly with the existing home while maximising available space.

5. New Upper-Level Lounge & Front Entry

On the existing floor level, Graham constructed:

• A new lounge room
• A new front entry aligned with the triple garage
• A more welcoming and functional arrival point for the home

This redefined the façade and circulation flow.

6. New Master Suite

The clients wanted a modern parents’ retreat, so the builder delivered a complete new suite featuring:

• A generous master bedroom
• A private ensuite with contemporary fixtures
• A spacious walk-in robe

This zone provides privacy, comfort, and long-term value.

7. Rear Deck with Swimming Pool Views

A new extension was created to:

• Provide access to a covered deck
• Maintained elevated views access to the swimming pool
• Enhance indoor–outdoor living and entertaining

This feature became a highlight of the renovated home.

8. Internal Renovation of the Existing Home

Inside the original residence, Graham completed:

• Renovation of the existing lounge, dining and kitchen
• Removal of internal walls to improve flow
• Installation of a brand-new kitchen
• Creation of a new family room
• Addition of a new bathroom

These changes unified the old and new sections of the home into one cohesive layout.

THE RESULT

The Giralang project is a standout example of design, engineering, and construction working together, delivering:

• A multi-level modern family home
• A master suite with privacy and comfort
• A lower-level entertainment zone
• A reimagined kitchen and family room
• A triple garage and improved access
• New indoor–outdoor spaces with pool views
• Significant structural upgrades
• A seamless connection between existing and new areas

Despite difficult access, steep terrain, and complex engineering requirements, Graham Kemp Building transformed the property into a spacious, functional, and highly liveable home.

Wamboin, NSW

Complete Renovation

Wamboin Design & Construct Project

Transforming an Existing Farm Building into a Rural Air B&B Retreat

THE PROPERTY

Set on�10 acres off Norton Road, the property features:

• Electric gated entry

• An existing main residence

• A stand-alone�11m x 7.5m solid brick farm building

• Terra-cotta roof tiles

• Concrete slab

• Exposed roof trusses and no ceiling
• Single roll a door

The building had strong structure, charm, and potential — but needed significant transformation to become a comfortable second dwelling.

CLIENT BRIEF

The clients envisioned:

“A warm, functional second residence — possibly an Air B&B — with its own driveway, privacy from the main home, and a covered north-facing deck overlooking the sweeping Yass River valley.”

THE DESIGN & CONSTRUCT SOLUTION

Graham’s design focused on turning the farm building into a modern, functional rural retreat, while respecting the existing structure.

1. Smart Structural Transformation

To begin:

• Removed the old�terracotta roof tiles

• Installed a new�Colorbond corrugated iron roof�to match the main residence

• Utilised the generous�3m roof truss height�to maintain ceiling heights after upgrades

• Achieved a final internal ceiling height of�2.4m, compliant and comfortable

2. Clever Use of Existing Septic Infrastructure

The height and fall of the existing roof trusses allowed Graham to:

• Extend the existing septic system

• Install new sewer lines�on top of the slab

• Lay consolidated fill

• Pour a new extended slab for the building’s addition

This brought modern plumbing capability to a previously unserviced farm building.

THE FLOOR PLAN – COMFORT & PRIVACY

The final design included:

1. Two Private Bedroom Suites

• Each with a�walk-in robe

• Each with its own�ensuite bathroom

• Each opening into the main living area

2. Central Living & Kitchen Zone

• Light-filled

• Designed for rural views

• Connecting directly to the new�covered north-facing deck

3. Laundry + Additional Bathroom

• Practical for day-to-day living

• Ideal for short-term guest stays

• Matches the quality of the main wet areas

4. Covered North-Facing Deck Extension

• Provides the main indoor–outdoor lifestyle feature � cover deck for guests

• Positioned to capture the stunning views over the�Yass River
• Maintains privacy from the main home with its own�separate driveway access

MEETING MODERN BUILDING STANDARDS

The original solid brick walls were not suitable for modern thermal or moisture performance.
Graham resolved this by:

• Installing new�timber-framed internal walls

• Adding internal moisture barriers to meet�BCA compliance

• Including�R2.5 insulation batts�in the walls

• Installing�R6.0 batts�in the ceilings

• Relocating existing water tanks to improve functionality and layout


These upgrades turned the old farm structure into a comfortable, energy-efficient home.

THE RESULT

CLIENT REVIEW

A returning client speaks volumes — see the Wamboin clients’ comments about their experience working with Graham Kemp Building.

Red Hill, Canberra

Complete Renovation

Red Hill Project

Design & Construct — Extension & Complete Renovation

A collaborative transformation of a classic 1950s/60s Red Hill home

When the Red Hill clients invited�Graham Kemp Building�to renovate their charming 1950s/60s brick-veneer home, they had one clear request:
“Bring our home into the modern era — but keep the character and the streetscape we love.”

This meant honouring the original architecture — including the distinctive steel-framed windows — while carrying out a full transformation of the home’s structure, interior layout, and liveability.

The challenge was large.
The opportunities were even larger.
And with a Design & Construct approach, Graham and the clients worked side-by-side, navigating variations and design decisions to deliver a complete, cohesive renovation.

THE DESIGN & CONSTRUCT APPROACH

Working collaboratively, Graham led the design to deliver a carefully engineered extension and full renovation — all while solving significant structural complexities.

1. New Double Garage + Master Bedroom Above

The extension began with a�double garage constructed at lower-ground level, supporting a new�master suite above.

The upper level included:

• Master bedroom with elevated views
• Walk-through wardrobes
• Spacious new ensuite with double bowl vanities
• Walk-in shower with fixed glass screens

This addition improved both function and value — while keeping the frontage aligned with the home’s original character.

2. New Bathrooms & Ensuite

The existing bathrooms were stripped out to create:

• A new family bathroom with free-standing bath
• A large walk-in shower
• Premium double vanity
• New ensuite mirroring the design aesthetic

The result: practical luxury blended with timeless styling.

3. Relocating & Reimagining the Kitchen

To take full advantage of natural northern light views to living room, Graham proposed relocating the kitchen to a brighter, more central position.

Features included:

• A completely renovated kitchen space

• New layout connecting seamlessly to the increased dining room

• French doors opening onto a�new rear courtyard

• Improved flow between indoor and outdoor dining

This change elevated the home’s daily functionality while creating a warm entertaining space.

4. Structural Repairs & Rumpus Conversion

• Structural defects in the original home and garage

• Poor drainage that was replaced including, providing a new concrete slab to eliminate the rising damp

These repairs ensured the new spaces were built on a safe, stable foundation.

Before converting the existing garage area into a rumpus room, Graham addressed:

5. Significant Variation: New Under-House Entry & Stairway

During excavation for the new double garage, it became clear that Bedroom 1 required�additional shoring�for stability.
This revealed an unexpected opportunity.

In consultation with the client, Graham proposed — and the client approved — a major variation:

This included:

A complete re-design of the front entry.

• Removing the existing concrete steps and landing

• Excavating beneath Bedroom 1 to create internal access from the new garage
and wine cellar
• Constructing a�new front entry foyer�with a feature door and�north-facing highlight window

• Installing a striking�open internal staircase�with glass balustrade

This significantly modernised the home while improving accessibility and comfort.

6. Internal Rebuild for Master Suite Access & Additional Rooms

To support the new master suite and improved floor plan, Graham:

• Propped up the existing roof

• Demolished brick and timber internal walls

• Removed old slabs and constructed�new floor framing

• Built new walls supporting the pitched roof

• Created new access pathways from Bedroom 1 into the ensuite

• Added a new bathroom with free-standing bath, double vanity, and walk-in shower

This internal reconstruction brought cohesion to the home, linking the new extension to the original layout.

7. Expanded Dining + Lounge with New Kitchen Integration

To support modern living:

• Additional internal space was created to the dining and lounge rooms

• The new kitchen was integrated into the design

• French doors were added to open onto the new courtyard

• Structural LVL timber and steel beams were sized and installed (in consultation with a structural engineer) to support
  roof loads after removing walls

These changes transformed previously compartmentalised rooms into a light-filled open-plan living space.

8. Removal of Existing Single Glazed Windows With Aluminium Double Glazed Windows and French Doors

• Provide updated insulation to all external walls
• Under floor insulation
• New ceiling insulation

These changes transformed previously poor insulation to today�s updated energy rating requirments.

THE RESULT

The Red Hill project ultimately delivered a�full transformation, with:

• A new master suite above a double garage

• Beautifully finished bathrooms and ensuite

• New kitchen with shafted sky light over the kitchen bench

• Open and connected living spaces
to northerly views over Canberra CIty
• A dramatic new front entry and internal staircase

• Renovated dining and lounge rooms

• Improved drainage and structural integrity

• A modern home that still respects the 1950s/60s character

By embracing the Design & Construct process — and with the client and builder working closely together— this once modest home became a refined, spacious, and contemporary residence fit for modern living.

Client Review

See the testimonial from keith Fleming to hear directly from the homeowner about their experience working with Graham Kemp Building.

� Our renovation of 75 Endeavour street, Red Hill

Throughout 2019, we engaged Graham to do.a comprehensive renovation of our 1960s house, with a view to expanding and modernising without losing its original identity. This required significant structural rectification and upgrading. Graham essentially rebuilt the whole house, from floorboards to roof, windows, doors, entrance, bathrooms, kitchen, terraces, garage, cellar and more. The finish was exceptional with a seamless look between the old areas and the extension. We even had matching old mossy roof tiles. Graham was perfect for this job with his expertise and experience. He inspired confidence, solved problems and had a great working relationship with all the trades on site. We were very pleased with the process and the result.

Keith and Fiona Fleming �

Campbell, Canberra

Complete Renovation

Welcome to Graham Kemp Building

Where experience, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together

A Guided Experience With Graham

Let’s step into one of Graham’s recent Design & Construct projects — the�Campbell Extension & Full Renovation.

Graham immediately recognised the potential — and the structural challenges.
His response: open the home up, bring in the light, and create modern living spaces that connect indoors to outdoors.

THE TRANSFORMATION

1. Opening the Heart of the Home

To create one expansive living, kitchen, and dining area, Graham worked closely with:

• A�structural engineer�to safely remove several internal solid brick load-bearing walls
• A�roof truss manufacturer�to design a new trussed roof structure over the existing pitched roof

This move unlocked the home’s flow — turning a closed-off floor plan into a light-filled open living zone.

2. A Modern Indoor–Outdoor Connection

3. Kitchen, Dining & Utility Re-imagined

• Removed the old kitchen, dining, laundry, and multiple external doors
• Opened the entire space to the alfresco deck
• Converted the old laundry into a�butler’s pantry
• Built a�new modern laundry�featuring a picture corner window overlooking the landscaped garden

4. The New Master Suite Wing

A private retreat was added, including:

• Master bedroom with double-glazed sliding doors opening to the deck
• Walk-in robe
• Freestanding bath with a feature window overlooking the garden
• Double-bowl vanity
• Large semi-frameless shower enclosure

An existing rear bedroom now acts as the transition space into the new parents’ retreat.

5. Bringing in Natural Light

The clients were concerned about their dark hallway and stairwell. Graham’s solution:

• Extend the front roof to integrate a�north-facing highlight window
• Add an�Allume skylight�over the internal stairs

This dramatically changed the feel of the home — flooding previously dim areas with sunlight.

6. Finishing Touches

To complete the transformation:

• Renovated the existing bathroom
• Installed new double-glazed windows throughout
• Rendered and painted the external brickwork for a clean, modern aesthetic
• Installed new�Tasmanian Oak fine sanded & polished floorboards�throughout the home

THE RESULT

A complete transformation that blends the strength of the original structure with modern, open, light-filled living — delivered with the precision and care Graham is known for.

Client Review

See the testimonial from Scott Thurbon to hear directly from the homeowner about their experience working with Graham Kemp Building.

� Graham managed a major renovation and extension at my house and I’m extremely satisfied with the end product.

Right from the beginning of the project, it was clear that Graham cared a lot about what he was doing and was extremely detailed in making sure he understood exactly what we wanted. In addition to what we had originally envisioned, Graham made a number of really creative and practical suggestions about how to bring light and space into an old house. All of the tradespeople and contractors Graham used were top quality and very polite.

A friend of mine who is a retired builder helped me do the final inspection once the house was finished he was extremely impressed with the quality of workmanship and craftsmanship in all aspects of the job, noting that you don’t often see that kind of quality and care these days.

I highly recommend Graham to anyone who is looking for top quality that doesn’t cost a fortune.�