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.

Photography by Lachlan Johnstone for Open2View.com.au

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
Photography by Lachlan Johnstone for Open2View.com.au

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