Reviving a 1940’s Classic - Anna & Phil’s Red Brick Restoration In Queanbeyan
August 2024
Creative and resourceful couple Anna and Phil Hastings have revitalised their classic 1940’s red brick home in Queanbeyan.
Anna, an artist with a keen eye for design (check out her work over on Instagram), and Phil, a skilled DIY handyman and craftsman, are well-versed in the art of restoration. Their outstanding work on a Californian bungalow earned them a heritage award in 2016.
Similarly, their newest project preserves the historic charisma of the original building, while introducing new recycled timber elements by Thor's Hammer.
Preserving the street-facing portion of the house Anna and Phil added a modern rear extension with open-plan main living space and master bedroom, separated by a glass garden atrium which lets additional natural light to both the extension and original portions of the house. Despite this separation, through careful attention to design and detail, Anna and Phil have created a seamless connection and blending of old and new.
Anna and Phil have an eye for hidden treasures, regularly browsing online auctions and trading posts for unique finds. Their home is a tasteful blend of eclectic elements, from salvaged windows and doors to repurposed antique light fixtures.
Notably, the pantry’s glass doors were originally French balcony doors from Handyman’s Trading Post were transformed by Phil into one-of-a-kind pantry doors, complete with their original hinges.
The kitchen island, a central talking point, was crafted from an antique shop counter from Egypt, carefully sanded and restored by Anna.
Recycled & Re-milled Blackbutt Flooring (With a Sawtooth Finish)
The re-milled blackbutt flooring, with its rustic sawtooth finish, not only adds warmth and colour to the space but also enhances the sense of belonging in this new extension, making it feel as though it has always been there.
Crafting Unique Pieces with Recycled Timber
Another standout piece is the hall table Phil made from recycled hardwood from Thor's Hammer. Standing against the home’s original exposed brickwork and highlights Phil’s resourcefulness and craftsmanship.
Sustainable Decking with a Personal Touch
This labour of love project continues into the backyard.
The backyard transformation features a two-level deck designed by Jenna Gruber of Indizel Design and uses rough-sawn blackbutt/ dense browns decking sourced from Thor’s Hammer. Built by Phil, with the assistance of Tom Eagle from Aquila Works, the deck includes corten edging that curves around an existing tree. Achieving the perfect curve and cuts in the decking was a challenging task, Phil said, but the result was worth it. Large steps, constructed from the same timber, provide comfortable seating for the lower grassed area, and are ageing gracefully to a beautiful grey patina.
If you have questions about our products or services, or would like a quote, please fill out an enquiry form and our team will get in touch with you as soon as we can. Alternatively, you can call 02 6282 9900, email hammer@thors.com.au or come and visit us in our workshop and showroom Monday to Friday 8-4:30pm or Saturday 10-2pm. We’re looking forward to working with you on something special.
Photography Rohan Thomson