Style with Substance

The use of timber plays with this lakeside cottage renovation and character whilst the concrete and steel bring a unique edge reinforcing the new.

Jonathon Dawes, was 24 at the time and close to completing his final year of a masters of architecture at the University of Newcastle. However, he had already proven he is a talented and creative home designer having gained valuable expertise of seeing his vision become a reality so early in his promising career.

However, he could not have had a more exacting initial project to undertake seeing the alterations and additions was for his parent’s family home.

The design has achieved the easy lakeside living they were looking for, in a stunning home to cater for the future years.

While working part time for EJE Architecture of Newcastle and while balancing his study he undertook to renovate their lakeside cottage in Toronto, on Lake Macquarie.

Jonathon found the professional support from the design team at EJE Architecture invaluable in facilitating the project and making his vision buildable, and acknowledges the value of hands on experience.

“Working closely with the entire design team ensured the design was built with precision and I am grateful we shared the perfection of finesse of finish with the builder, Colin Penfold of Stylish Abodes.”

Read more in Edition 74 of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine.

Story Marilyn Collins. Photography by Nathan Dawes.