The Block’s Kyal and Kara reveal their latest transformation

A large block close to the beach at Toowoon Bay on the Central Coast was dated, neglected and needed a total overhaul when Kyal and Kara Demmrich — best known as former contestants on Channel 9’s The Block and Reno Rumble — first inspected the property. It was originally a ’70s red brick box. There were no taps, no kitchen benches, no hot water and half the tiles had been stripped out. But there was plenty of potential.

They were looking for a house in proximity to the beach that had good bones, where they could play with the layout, something with a decent-sized block that could either handle an extension or a second dwelling.

Kyal and Kara decided on a traditional beach house look with weatherboard finishes, timber decking and white window frames. They were a little bit Hamptons inspired, but also inspired by Queenslander style homes. It was important that the house wouldn’t date.

Externally, they enhanced the appeal of the house by adding a garage and extending the roofline at the front to include a gable roof with a large deck for entertaining. Casement windows and french doors on the upper level are perfect for capturing sea breezes.

Cemintel Scarborough® Weatherboards were used as the exterior cladding on the upper level and garage to create the classic beach house look. They also added a two-bedroom studio/guesthouse using Scarborough® Weatherboards with an extended timber deck, giving a really open plan feel.

A modern take on the traditional weatherboard, Scarborough® Weatherboard is stylish, with strong shadow lines that enhance both traditional and contemporary residential design. They have a concealed fixing system, no ship-lap profile, can be installed with a drained cavity solution and are gun nailable for quick and easy installation. Scarborough® Weatherboard is low maintenance, especially compared to natural timber products.

This original ’70s red brick box is now a beautiful home that people stop to admire.