The wish list for a renovation may not always tell the whole story. In an urban context, near neighbours and heritage-protection agencies can play pivotal roles in the final outcome.
This project by architect Nicholas Murray involved restoring, renovating and extending a grand old residence and adding a new pool, guest house and garage to the rear. The house was sourced for the owner by the architect, who pointed out its good bones and potential for development. The site is narrow, but at 50m deep, it offered more than enough space for a modern upgrade, says Murray.
"Heritage constraints meant the facade had to be retained in its original form and no new-build elements could be visible from the street. That the house was one of a tight-knit row of protected buildings worked for us there were no vistas to the rear of the property where the new guest house and garage were planned."
The frontage was already in good condition, just requiring patching and painting. Similarly, the formal front rooms needed only minor work the pine floor was stained dark to contrast the white walls and an upstairs bedroom was turned into a generous ensuite.
"However, from halfway back, the house has been completely transformed," says Murray. "We gutted this part of the interior, which had been renovated in the 1980s. In its place we opened up the volume and extended the rear creating a long, open-plan space, comprising an expansive kitchen, and an informal dining room and living area."