Adding new to old in a heritage overlay area can be fraught with conflict as architects and owners seek approval from neighbours and council on their way to achieving their renovation ideal.
However, in Bendigo in central Victoria there was minimal drama or, better still, none. The owners of the inner-city Victorian home wanted to expand the property’s footprint to include a two-storey modern extension in timber and zincalume steel.
As with most regional cities, a heritage overlay exists across most of the inner city. While neighbours would be happy to see the property developed, the existing red brick was on a corner allotment, which meant it would be exposed more than usual to public scrutiny.
The owners, a professional couple, wanted to modernise the interior and extend the building to create a more user-friendly space that would suit their lifestyle and grown-up family.
It was a challenge for architect Lucas Hodgens to create a sympathetic extension, while retaining some existing rooms, chimneys and heritage features. As an original red-brick wall running parallel to a footpath was to be retained Lucas and builder Todd Newman had to ensure the structural integrity of the freestanding wall of bricks.
“As the existing rear of the building was altered we wanted to keep the exterior wall, which would maintain privacy to the new garden and outdoor nook. A structural steel beam was added, which gives added texture and makes a feature of the wall that is stronger than ever," Lucas says. "We also added shutters to the wall to aid air circulation and so the owners could open up the space when needed.
“The idea and plan was to have the garden, patio and outdoor nook flow effortlessly into the interior. Polished concrete flooring in this new area helped achieve that as did the walls of folding doors that would open up the lounge straight on to the garden areas.”
Thankfully, a progressive council liked the plans, conceived by Lucas and his team at e+ architecture and constructed by Todd Newman Builders. Even the neighbours were happy, with one neighbour delivering cakes and biscuits to the builders almost daily.
“She would even bring the bins in,” Lucas says. “Neighbours said they were happy to see someone invest time and money into improving the property. The renovation is sympathetic to the area but when you start to include a modern addition to an older property you can really start a debate on whether it is ideal or not.“
The contemporary two-storey extension now provides the owners with flexible living spaces that seamlessly blends the old with the new.
A kitchenette was added to the ground floor extension, along with a spacious lounge and spare bedroom with WIR. Three existing rooms at the front of the house were retained and a modern en suite and built-in joinery robes added to the master. Carpets were replaced with polished timber floors. Timber stairs lead to the new open-plan living/dining and kitchen area.
“By going up the owners could capture the beautiful views across inner Bendigo. And the light and breezes that now come into the property is quite amazing as windows virtually wrap around the home,” Lucas says. A balcony enhances the entertainers’ home.
Traditional materials such as zinc and hardwoods together with crafted windows, doors and joinery pay credit to past eras. Bespoke timber cabinetry and furnishings enhance the earthy interior with its neutral palette. The zinc cladding and timber on the facade will slowly age to an earthy patina over the years, Lucas says. The streamlined exterior extends to the timber garage door that completely seals the rear of the property from the outside world.
“While the owners are extremely happy with the finish, even the neighbours are pleased with the result - they are glad someone has put some TLC into revitalising the property,” he says.