Monty Sibbel: A Sustainable Renovation by Nuud Studio
This considered home, in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, is notable for several reasons. Photography by Tom Ross, courtesy of Nüüd Studio. First, it was originally designed by Sibbel Builders, a firm founded in the ’60s and known for its before-its-time, eco-conscious approach to homebuilding (smaller footprints, modernist lines, handcrafted design, passive solar siting). The Sibbel Builders home was hand-built and eco-minded—and also drafty and outdated. To make it more sustainable, Brad and Kerli converted to all-electric power for the home; added insulation where there was none; invested in a new heat-pump hot water system; and replaced the single-paned windows. The couple’s baby boy plays right outside the signature Sibbel Builders front door, which opens directly into the living room. Of utmost importance to Brad and Kerli was creating a connection to the outdoors. The home measures just 100 square meters (1,076 square feet), so every inch of it had to be useful—and its furniture durable and unfussy. “We designed a series of new joinery elements for the kitchen, bathroom, and powder room, which were the main costs of the project,” says Brad. The cabinets and countertop were all custom-made from native spotted gum wood. Even the integrated Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, at left, looks like furniture. The view from the eat-in kitchen toward the living room. The floors are native blackbutt planks finished in a natural hard wax oil. The couple hired Bricolage, a furniture studio, to build all the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. One of the two bedrooms in the home. One of their favorite spots? Across from the shower is this beautiful setup: a handmade sink by Lindsey Wherrett atop a handmade vanity. A back door was added for more access to the outdoors.