Mellow Yellow Cottage

Mellow Yellow Cottage, situated in Canberra’s inner south suburb of Narrabundah, underwent an extensive renovation overseen by STA. This project, building upon our prior collaboration on the Mellow Yellow House extension, focused on rejuvenating an original Canberra red brick cottage.

Designed to facilitate versatile living arrangements, the renovation caters to intergenerational living, ensuring adaptability for multiple family generations over the long term. The cottage, functionally separate from the rear extension designed for the immediate family, features a self-sufficient layout on a single level. This includes easily accessbile and independent kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities.

Furthermore, our focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is central in the upgrades. The entire structure benefits from enhanced insulation, thermally efficient double-glazed windows, and integration with an existing solar array. A new heat pump hot water system and a solar-powered ducted reverse cycle air conditioning system guarantee year-round comfort while minimising environmental impact.

Mellow Yellow Cottage stands as a testament to thoughtful design, offering enduring comfort and adaptability for future generations in the heart of Canberra’s inner south.

Type | Interiors and thermal upgrade
Location |
 Narrabundah, ACT
Country | Ngunnawal
Builder | 
Schouten Constructions
Engineer | Northrop Engineers
Photos | Anthony Basheer
Status |
Completed
Completed | 2023

A note from the owner on their experience of Mellow Yellow Cottage:

“The completion of the independent adjoining cottage section has allowed a third generation (parents of the owner) to move in and live independent lives in a design that takes into account their needs, all whilst being close by. The lockable sound proof door that connects the cottage to the extension provides them control over their living arrangements as it’s both a convenient passage for them to connect or a means to separate themselves from the family. It’s a far more practical approach to housing than if they continued to live in their previous house in another suburb of Canberra. They are truly enjoying the cottage life without the worry of having to maintain a separate residence.”