- Project: Tighes Hill Recycled House
- Architect: Vanessa Wegner Architect
- Location: Australia, Tighes Hill, Newcastle, NSW
- Year: 2023
- Area: 183 m2
- Photography: Katherine Lu
Revitalizing a Newcastle Gem through Reuse and Renewal
Once a humble miner’s cottage, the Tighes Hill Recycled House has been reborn as a vibrant, sustainable family home through a thoughtful renovation led by Vanessa Wegner Architect.
Located in Newcastle’s Tighes Hill, the project was a true collaboration between architect Vanessa Wegner and owner-builder Matthew Wegner, blending hands-on craftsmanship, environmental sensitivity, and an enduring respect for the site’s history.
Transforming a Cottage with Sustainable Design
The design challenge was clear: transform a small, aging cottage with a deteriorated 1960s rear addition into a modern, light-filled residence for a family of four.
“Our focus was to create a functional, comfortable family home that maximized park views while reusing as many materials as possible,” explains Vanessa Wegner.
The result is a home that seamlessly merges old-world charm with contemporary sustainability, where every design choice supports longevity and environmental responsibility.
Restoring Heritage, Expanding Horizons
The project preserves the original front façade, maintaining its modest streetscape identity, while unveiling a striking modern addition behind.
A new second-storey parents’ retreat overlooks a double-height living space, enhancing natural ventilation and visual connectivity. The gable roof, echoing the form of the original cottage, accommodates north-facing solar panels and channels abundant daylight into the interior.
From the street, the home remains quietly contextual—yet inside, it opens dramatically, filled with texture, volume, and light.
Smart Solutions: A Green Roof and Future Adaptability
At the rear, a recycled brick garage with a green roof provides privacy and functionality while embracing circular design principles. Currently serving as a workshop, the garage was conceived as a flexible structure that could one day become a small café or studio—opening directly to the adjacent park and connecting the home to its community.
“The green roof has become a defining feature,” says Wegner. “We kept the height low and planted succulents selected by landscape designer Linda Ross—they thrive in the sun and tie the building into the landscape beautifully.”
Material Reuse and Craftsmanship
Sustainability is at the heart of every detail. Reclaimed hardwood from the demolished extension was repurposed into custom bathroom screens and joinery.
Original terrazzo countertops were salvaged and reimagined as bathroom vanities, supported by recycled steel bases. The new Blackbutt timber floors, also recycled, bring warmth and cohesion throughout the home.
Even the landscaping embodies resourcefulness: palm trees rescued from a neighboring yard now thrive in the garden, reinforcing the project’s ethos of renewal.
A Home of Integrity and Intention
The Tighes Hill Recycled House demonstrates how architecture can honor history while embracing the future.
Its layered material palette, adaptable spaces, and energy-efficient strategies reflect a family’s deep connection to place and purpose.
Through meticulous design and a builder’s personal touch, Vanessa Wegner Architect has crafted a home that is both environmentally conscious and emotionally resonant—a true model for sustainable urban renovation in Australia.
