IN THE NEWS: DAILY TELEGRAPH ARCHIVE
PUBLISHED 2013
Out with the Old. In with the New.
For Michael and Airin Mansley, building homes is almost second nature. The Northbridge family are serial renovators, with more than half a dozen projects under their belts. But their most recent build – managed by Alkira Homes; proved to be their smoothest yet.
The Mansleys set out to replace an outdated two-bedroom cottage with a spacious, contemporary two-storey design inspired by Alkira’s Elyse Design. Their brief was clear: create an open, light-filled family home with modern finishes, functional spaces, and room to grow.
Working alongside Alkira’s team, they made a few clever customisations, including expanding the master bedroom ensuite and wardrobes, and adjusting the void space to capture even more natural light. These thoughtful tweaks helped tailor the design to the family’s lifestyle.
One of the stand-out features is the library and study nook, which sits perfectly between the kitchen and rumpus areas, making the home both practical and inviting. The kitchen, finished in a durable Caesarstone benchtop with poly cabinetry, balances modern style with family-friendly function.
Alkira Homes also factored in the challenges of a large, 600sqm block, including worst-case scenarios of earthworks. Fortunately, the build avoided major excavation, saving the family both time and money.
Incredibly, the project not only went smoothly — it came in under budget by almost 8 percent. Michael, experienced in managing builds, said:
“This was a really, easy build.”
Although the Mansleys plan to move on in the future as they tackle another renovation, for now, they’re enjoying the comfort of their Northbridge masterpiece.
A Fresh Take on Family Living
Replacing an old cottage with a modern, carefully considered Alkira design gave the family a home that feels brand new, but still fits within the established Northbridge streetscape. From its striking exterior to its clever internal spaces, this build shows how knockdown-rebuild can be the perfect path for families who love their location, but crave a whole new way of living.
