A high-contrast dialogue between Victorian preservation and contemporary volumetric expansion.
The Constraint
A significant double-fronted Victorian residence that had become spatially inadequate for a modern family. The site was burdened by a heritage overlay that restricted external visibility of any new works from the street. The challenge was to insert a large-scale, two-storey extension that could accommodate expansive living zones and additional bedrooms without overwhelming the delicate scale of the original masonry.
The Resolution
A “Shadow-Line” strategy. We utilized a recessive, dark-clad upper volume that physically detaches the new from the old, ensuring the heritage profile remains the primary streetscape protagonist. Internally, a central light-court acts as the lungs of the house, drawing northern sun into the core of the floor plan. The result is a high-yield family home that balances deep-hued materiality with an abundance of natural light. The result is an innovative low cost small house design solution.
MATERIAL GRAVITY / DEEP-HUED INTERIOR CURATION
RECESSIVE VOLUMETRIC EXPANSION / HERITAGE CONTRAST STRATEGY
CENTRAL ILLUMINATION VOID / PASSIVE THERMAL REGULATION
WET AREA OPTIMIZATION / MINIMALIST MATERIAL COHESION
HERITAGE SCALE / CONTEMPORARY THERMAL AMENITY
SPATIAL SIGHTLINES / INTERNAL VOLUMETRIC FLOW
1
HERITAGE OVERLAY
Spec: Careful restoration of the original Victorian facade and formal front rooms, utilizing traditional lime-based renders.
Outcome: Preserved the historical integrity of the Alfred Street streetscape while doubling the home’s functional capacity.
2
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Spec: Negotiation of height and setback requirements to maximize second-storey yield under strict heritage guidelines.
Outcome: Secured a substantial increase in floor area that remained “invisible” from the primary street frontage.
3
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Spec: Introduction of a central internal courtyard and high-performance double glazing to the northern elevation.
Outcome: Created a passive cooling chimney effect and maximized solar gain, reducing the home’s total carbon footprint.
