Our design strategy avoided replicating the past or succumbing to Victorian pastiche, instead developing a language that complemented and seamlessly integrated with the historical essence of the house. Following years of neglect and many iterations over its life, the internal and external heritage features, including the full corner verandah, had been stripped away and discarded. Instead of distancing or undermining the building’s original Victorian style, we extended and enhanced it, demonstrating that rejuvenating a classic Victorian doesn’t require imitation. Using the same same solid palette of materials: stone, timber, hard plaster, and natural sand cement renders, and taking a finely tuned decorative approach, we have brought it into the 21st century with a timeless appeal for the next 100 years.
The new addition filled with natural light, provides access to external spaces addressing the traditional darkness of Victorian homes and their lack of sustainable features. Now, improved cross ventilation, sunlit spaces, double glazing, insulated flooring, ceilings and walls, and breathable wall treatments, like sand cement render and hard plaster walls, have resulted in healthy living spaces. While incorporating intricate detailing consistent with the overall design approach. Importantly, the local neighbourhood has responded in an overwhelmingly positive way with many passers by stopping to compliment the owners on this truly significant addition to the street.
Rethinking the plan allowed spaces to open and flow. Between the kitchen and living room, an island bench in sweeping solid marble now provides a nuanced space for pre-dinner drinks. The solidity of the marble expressing the honesty and beauty of the two connecting stones. Volume shifts in the living room reflect the scale of what was once the exterior of the building, the classically detailed steel framed windows and exposed raw concrete beam adding a contemporary layer in tune with the grandness of the historical building.
