Irymple Dream Reno: A Journey of Vision, Trust & Transformation
Every great renovation begins with a moment - a spark, a conversation, a shared idea that sets the whole journey in motion.
For the Irymple Dream Reno, that moment happened in the most everyday Australian setting imaginable: during a local cricket game.
As the game played out in the background, a simple first phone call set the wheels in motion. Jordan forwarded a link to book an initial consultation, inviting the soon-to-be clients to discuss what White Houses & Carpentry could offer. They were already deeply connected to their home - loving its location, its memories, and its potential - but after 7–8 years living there, and with the home originally built in the late 1990s, they knew it was time for a transformation.
What they didn’t want was a total reinvention. What they did want was impact.
A minor change to the footprint that would make a major change to how they lived in the home. And we could feel their passion straight away.
Laying the Foundations: A Shared Vision
From the beginning, there was alignment - values, communication, trust, and excitement.
The clients had been working with Darren from Mildura Building Designs, an architect we know and collaborate with frequently. Having that synergy from day one helped the journey progress smoothly. Before any contracts, before any commitments, the clients reached out while still in the preliminary planning stage, simply wanting to understand what was possible structurally and financially.
It was clear early on that their expectations weren’t about shortcuts or quick fixes - they wanted to do it properly. They wanted a home that felt new, functioned beautifully, and honoured the bones of the original structure. And they wanted a builder who worked with them, not just for them.
That mutual respect - the willingness to work through decisions honestly and proactively - became the backbone of the entire renovation.
From Paper to Plans: A Timeline Takes Shape
Contracts signed: January 2024
Broke ground: July 2024
Final transformation: A complete reinvention with the original frame as the only surviving element
Throughout the process, inevitable changes and enhancements emerged, including adjustments to finishes, layout, and functionality. These additions increased the original contract value by about 25%, but each change added meaningful value to the project - and the clients were part of every decision.
A Modern Home for Modern Living
Once work began, it became clear that the "Irymple Dream Reno" wouldn’t just be a cosmetic update - it would be a future-focused redesign.
Full Home Automation - Without the Overpriced Systems
The clients originally looked at CBUS, but the price point simply wasn’t justifiable. Instead, we implemented a complete Senoa System automation package, offering intuitive control for:
Lighting
Blinds
Pool equipment
Heating & cooling systems
Key operational components throughout the home
The result is a home that doesn’t just look contemporary - it lives contemporary.
Design Meets Detail: A Collaborative Aesthetic
The interior palette and styling were led by Sophie Katina, sourced directly by the clients. Her vision brought softness, cohesion, and the perfect layering of tones and textures throughout the home.
The architectural framework came from Darren’s team at Mildura Building Designs, combining creativity with structural intelligence to produce a layout that enhanced flow, functionality, and the home’s natural light.
A few standout design selections included:
Dulux “Grid” as the external colour
James Hardie Linea weatherboards for a sharp, clean exterior profile
Kitchen island and powder room cabinetry echoing Dulux colour elements for internal consistency
A spectacular bluestone fireplace wall surrounding a modern gas fireplace
A second bluestone feature wall near the pool for cohesion between interior and exterior spaces
From Floors to Finishes: Craftsmanship That Makes a Home Feel New
Although most of the original home was stripped back to just the frame, the floors held sentimental (and aesthetic) value - and the clients hoped they could stay.
Our team restored the original timber floors with meticulous care. Where new sections were required, we sourced and matched NSW Spotted Gum, blending old and new seamlessly.
Other premium finishes included:
High-quality plumbing fixtures from Faucet Strommen
Double-glazed aluminium windows by Vivid Mildura for superior efficiency, reduced maintenance, and no more air leaks
Custom cabinetry throughout, built to match the detailed interior design plans
Trex composite decking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor surface
The level of detail achieved across the joinery, tiling, finishes, and overall craftsmanship is a testament not only to the trades involved but also to the clarity of the design direction and the trust placed in us by the clients.
Re-Thinking the Footprint: Small Extension, Big Impact
A key component of the renovation was a carefully considered extension to the back of the home. The goal wasn’t to dramatically increase the size of the home - but to enhance how it functioned.
This extension allowed for:
A spacious entertainer’s deck
Better flow between indoor and outdoor living
A more expansive kitchen and pantry connection
An improved floor plan that supported lifestyle, not just layout
Inside, the redesigned floor plan completely transformed the existing home. What once felt segmented now flows smoothly from the kitchen to pantry, and through to the laundry - a thoughtful sequence built for busy family life.
The Pool House: A Destination of Its Own
One of the most exciting additions was the new pool house, designed as a fully functional extension of the home rather than a simple outdoor structure.
It features:
A dedicated gym
Powder room
Storage area
Outdoor shower
Outdoor seating zone
Architectural elements tying it back to the main home
Paired with the bluestone pool wall and full outdoor landscaping, this space has become its own private retreat.
Luxury Living: Where Practicality Meets Indulgence
The renovation included three full bathrooms and two powder rooms, all fitted with high-end fixtures and modern layouts. Among the hero features:
A steam shower for a spa-like experience
A gas-strut window in the pantry for serving, airflow, and effortless entertaining
State-of-the-art appliances throughout
Premium tile selections
Sophisticated lighting that elevates each space
These aren’t just upgrades - they’re lifestyle enhancements.
A Renovation Grounded in Trust
What made the Irymple Dream Reno truly special was the relationship between client and builder. There was a consistent sense of partnership - working through challenges together, having open conversations, trusting the process, and staying aligned on the vision.
Every change, decision, and improvement was made collaboratively, with respect for craftsmanship and an understanding of the long-term value it would bring.
A Home Reborn
When the final touches were completed, what stood before us was not simply a renovated house - but a completely reimagined home.
From automation to aesthetics, from structure to flow, from finishes to the feeling of walking through the front door - the Irymple Dream Reno represents what’s possible when:
a passionate family
a dedicated builder
a talented architect
and inspired designers
all work together with clarity and purpose
What started as a phone call at a local cricket game evolved into a home that is sophisticated, future-ready, inviting, and unmistakably personal. And for us at White Houses & Carpentry, it’s a project we’re immensely proud of.