For Cerantonio, the starting point was not what needed to be removed, but what deserved to remain. “There was a lot to love about the original house,” he reflects. The solid double-brick construction offered durability and thermal stability, while the split-level planning introduced natural variation within the interior spaces. Perhaps most importantly, the house already possessed a north-facing courtyard - a rare and valuable feature that allowed sunlight to reach deep into the centre of the home. These elements became the foundations upon which the reinvention of the house would unfold. Like many houses built in the 1980s, however, the interior carried the unmistakable hallmarks of its era. Formal rooms were generously proportioned but seldom used. Circulation between spaces felt slightly disjointed, and the relationship between indoors and outdoors remained tentative. Carpet softened every surface, concealing the architectural bones beneath. Rather than dismantle the structure entirely, Cera Stribley approached the house with a light but decisive hand. What worked was retained. What did not was gently reconsidered. The resulting changes are subtle yet transformative. One of the most significant transformations begins with the reimagining of the original formal dining room. Once open but underutilised, this space has been enclosed and reinterpreted as a flexible rumpus room - a place where children can gather, play, and retreat. In time, the room may evolve again, transforming into a quiet home office or studio as the needs of the household change. “Transformation not through replacement, but through thoughtful reinvention” This adaptability is central to the philosophy of the renovation. Elsewhere, the relocation of the laundry creates another moment of quiet reinvention. Previously positioned alongside the main bedroom, the laundry has been moved closer to the kitchen, where its presence supports the practical rhythms of daily life. In doing so, valuable space has been freed on the upper level, allowing the creation of a generous and tranquil master suite. These changes may appear modest, yet together they alter the way the house moves. Each decision is guided by a simple but revealing question: how can the house support the everyday flow of family life? To further strengthen the functionality of the home, a butler’s pantry and powder room have been introduced alongside the kitchen. 30 Continued over page Photography by Martina Gemmola
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