Once a humble miner's cottage, the Tighes Hill Recycled House in Newcastle, NSW, underwent a significant renovation and expansion, transforming into a much-loved two-storey family home. Owner-builder Matthew Wegner and his wife Alex turned to his architect sister Vanessa Wegner at Sydney-based architectural firm, Vanessa Wegner Architect, to help them reimagine the space.

The brief was simple: renovate and improve the home to accommodate their family of four.

“The cottage had a dilapidated 1960s rear extension full of asbestos,” Vanessa explains. “They wanted a functional, comfortable family home but didn’t have a strict design brief. Optimising the views to the park and reusing as much of the materials as possible was the main concern.”

With a shared passion for sustainability, Vanessa set out to create a contemporary yet warm home, filled with light and deeply connected to the natural environment.

The original cottage at the front of the property was restored, its unassuming street presence offering no hint of the modern makeover that lies beyond. A second-storey parents' retreat was added, opening the main living area below to a dramatic double-height void. This architectural feature provides natural ventilation during warmer months, whilst expanding the relatively modest floorplan. The simple gable roof preserves the cottage's silhouette while maximising north-facing exposure for solar panels.

Balancing expansive park views with the need for privacy was a key consideration. This led to a unique design solution: a recycled brick garage with a green roof, strategically positioned at the rear. This flexible space currently serves as a workshop while also providing a welcome layer of privacy. Designed with adaptability in mind, the garage opens out to the park, offering potential for a future ‘hole in the wall’ cafe that connects to the lively community.

“The green roof garage has added so much to the house,” says Vanessa. “We didn’t want to raise the height of the roof too much, so it is planted with succulents, carefully chosen by landscape architect Linda Ross. It has really become a key feature of the backyard.”

This commitment to sustainable design is evident throughout the Tighes Hill Recycled House. “As a builder, my brother has a keen eye for reusing and repurposing materials,” says Vanessa. Reclaimed hardwood from the demolished extension was transformed into bespoke bathroom screens. Original terrazzo countertops, once destined for landfill, were given a new lease on life as vanity tops, their bases made from repurposed steel. 

Recycled Blackbutt timber flooring spans the home, with its warmth complementing the eclectic mix of old and new. “A neighbour was going to throw out three large palm trees, so my brother dug them out and planted them in his backyard,” Vanessa shares.

The result is a home infused with unique warmth and soul. It's a home that honours its past while embracing a brighter, more environmentally conscious future—a true sanctuary overlooking expansive green parkland.