PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: Oliver Street

An architectural home renovation for family living

At its core, this family home renovation reflects the real problem many architectural homeowners face: beautifully considered designs that still require a builder capable of navigating complexity, people, and change.

Introduced through mutual connections, the homeowners were a young family with two small children, including a newborn who arrived just as the project began. Living through a renovation at that stage of life requires trust, empathy, and a builder who understands the human side of a family home renovation process.

“They were looking to create more space and storage, and to modernise the whole house,” says Woodsmith founder Mike Smith.

While the architectural intent provided a strong framework, the success of the project relied on ongoing collaboration, clear communication, and a willingness to step beyond a strictly transactional role.

“A lot of what we do isn’t just building what’s drawn,” Mike explains. “It’s helping clients feel confident and supported while we work through the realities of the build.”

Design Intent: Light, Space, and Privacy

Working alongside Threefold Architecture, the design focused on rebalancing how the family home was used. Downstairs, walls were opened up to improve the transition between kitchen and dining areas, creating a more connected and usable family zone. Upstairs, the master suite was completely reworked to include a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, offering privacy and breathing room from the busy family spaces below.

“The priority was really to freshen up an old place,” Mike explains. “Modernise it, open up more areas downstairs, and also give the clients their own space upstairs with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Lighten up the whole house.”

Several rooms suffered from limited natural light, requiring careful planning to ensure the home felt bright and welcoming throughout.

Build Challenges, Judgement & Collaboration

Renovations rarely unfold exactly as planned, and this project was no exception. What mattered most was how those moments were handled.

Site access was particularly constrained, with a narrow driveway requiring smaller trucks and bins throughout the build. At the same time, the architect was based out of town, meaning many decisions couldn’t be resolved through quick site visits.

“There are always things that come up on site that you need to work through together,” Mike says. “When that can’t happen in person, it’s on the builder to interpret the intent, talk it through with the client, and keep everything moving without creating stress.”

Woodsmith took on a central coordination role, translating design intent into practical outcomes, liaising with engineers on structural variations, and ensuring the client was kept informed rather than overwhelmed.

“We don’t want clients worrying about what’s happening behind the scenes,” Mike explains. “Our job is to make the process feel seamless and manageable, even when it’s complex.”

Several areas of the home required careful consideration to improve light and flow, with options tested and reviewed collaboratively rather than defaulting to the fastest or easiest solution.

“This was a job where judgement really mattered,” Mike says. “It’s not just about following plans but making good decisions on behalf of the client.”

Craftsmanship in the Details

For Woodsmith, craftsmanship extends to how responsibility is taken when something sits between scopes.

A defining example was the curved end of the kitchen island. While visually subtle, it played a key role in the flow of the kitchen. When the kitchen supplier declined to take it on, Woodsmith stepped in to resolve the detail rather than compromise the outcome.

“It wasn’t technically in our scope,” says Mike. “But if we’d ignored it, the space wouldn’t have worked as intended. We’re not afraid to step in and solve those gaps.”

The team developed and executed the solution themselves, ensuring the curve integrated seamlessly with the cabinetry and surrounding finishes.

“Those are the moments where builders either pass problems on or take ownership,” Mike adds. “We’d rather own it and make sure the client gets the result they’re expecting.”

Bathrooms Built for Real Life

“Having a bath is so important when you’ve got young kids,” Mike says. “And having their own ensuite upstairs gives the parents their own space too.”

Both the family bathroom and ensuite feature high-end tile and fitting selections, with thoughtful detailing that balances durability and refinement. These spaces are practical, but elevated; designed to stand up to daily use while still feeling special.

A Moment That Matters

For the Woodsmith team, the most rewarding part of the project came at the very end.

“Seeing the client walk in and be so stoked with what we’d created, that’s always the standout,” Mike reflects. “They had great input, made really good decisions with finishes, and the joy on their faces made all the challenges worth it.”

This renovation was a full gut-out and rebuild but, more importantly, it was a collaborative process grounded in trust, adaptability, and care.

“It was a testing project but we really wanted to get it right, and I feel like we achieved that.” - Mike Smith