Heritage Renewal
The front façade has been restored to its former glory, and beyond the original shell, a new double-storey extension unfolds with open-plan living at ground level, supported by new bedrooms and an additional living zone upstairs.
Central to the new design was a courtyard on the north elevation, which floods the home with natural light. “Positioned beside the dining area, the courtyard acts as a breathing space at the heart of the floor plan. Paired with a glazed, double-height void, it pulls daylight deep into the interior, creating a generous sense of openness and connection between rooms,” explains Lenny Sacco, Principal Designer of Base Building Design.
A 3-metre high, expansive 5-metre-wide Stacker Door sits adjacent to the dining room. With a double-height void of Fixed Lite Windows that draw the eye upwards, creating visual interest where light washes across the kitchen to create a calm and uplifting atmosphere.
Given the challenges and tight access identified by Rylock’s site activities team when specifying the project, a site assessment was conducted in advance of the glazing installation. Collaborating closely with Blueprint Construction Company, the builder provided a secure scaffolding system and clear access path, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for the work to proceed. This preparation allowed Rylock’s glazing team to confidently and carefully install each of the three 100kg high-performance low-e double-glazed panels at a considerable height.
Rylock’s standard specification—Grade A Safety Toughened Low‑e Comfort Solution double glazing with argon fill— helps retain radiant heat in the winter months, supporting passive design principles. Paired with the home’s polished concrete floors, the thermal mass absorbs daytime solar energy and slowly releases it in the evening to naturally warm the home for enhanced comfort.
The ground floor living room on the west elevation features a large 3-metre-wide Stacker Door which opens to the rear courtyard. Upstairs, the additional living zone features a large Awning Window in a custom, yet traditional configuration, with scaled proportions that are sympathetic to the home’s Victorian origins.
The home’s laundry features access to the yard through a Hinged Door, coupled with an Awning Window above. This elevated Awning Window can be opened and key-locked in a fixed position to promote ventilation regardless of the season.
This residence reimagines a classic terrace, blending timeless character with modern comfort to deliver a bright, versatile home for family living.
