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The studio opens out to a large verandah, which features a six-foot-long vintage French trough sink. The creative couple use it for soaking willow prior to weaving and washing out cyanotype prints. “We had an epic search for the right sleepers for the verandah,” says Miriam. “Eventually, we found some Jarrah sleepers. Our daughter is called Jarrah and it’s an Australian timber, so it felt right.”

The kitchen and dining room connect to the living room via two open doorways.

The naturally ventilated Kumagaya House has a central breezeway, soaring volumes, and secluded spaces that give its occupants room to breathe.

Chester and Chloe spent weeks plotted the joinery design with Money and their carpenter to ensure everything fitted seamlessly, including this nifty hidden laundry under the stairs. Even the tiny cupboard at the bottom of the staircase isn't wasted: it's a built-in laundry basket!

Before: While doing construction on one house, Mairead Murphy and her partner bought the neighboring home (on the left) in an effort to save it and fix it up. That project has since been dubbed Next Door House #2.

At $6,099, the 36-inch GE Monogram refrigerator with a bottom freezer was the most expensive item in the appliance budget. The built-in piece blends flawlessly with the ample storage.

During: “It has significance as a very high-status farming building of its time,” says Tom, of the archaeologist’s findings. “It was very state of the art.”

Built-in bookcases from a pink marble mantle topped by a pier mirror.

The balcony is an important part of tropical living, allowing one to enjoy breeze and light but also shade.

Pine plywood shelves offer great storage for a kids’ space, as does a carpeted floor.

Built-in cabinets and open shelving illustrate a few design strategies: Use humble materials thoughtfully, and make place for stuff.