Proud face, open heart

Designed by Anthony Chan, Chan Architecture

From the renovating architect:

Situated on a heritage-graded street in Hawthorn East, this project seamlessly blends the enduring charm of a double-fronted Victorian terrace house with contemporary design – to create a multi-generational family home.

The original front section of the house has been preserved, repurposed as three bedrooms, a study, and two bathrooms. 

Beyond the historic facade, a modern extension reveals a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area – designed as the central hub for family gatherings. 

A glazed hallway wraps around the new swimming pool, guiding you to a rear structure that houses a self-contained residence for elderly parents, a double garage, and a staircase leading to a dedicated children’s retreat.

A key design challenge was to bring natural light into the south-facing rear living spaces. 

This was achieved by integrating two internal courtyards, a large kitchen skylight, and a butterfly roof form with north-facing highlight windows, ensuring a bright, inviting environment throughout the year. 

The interior design features a palette of natural blackbutt flooring, dark timber-veneered joinery, and large-format porcelain benchtops – with timber battens and mirrors adding layers of texture and visual interest.

In line with a strong commitment to sustainability, the project incorporates passive design principles to reduce energy consumption and minimise its carbon footprint. 

Key sustainable features include highly insulated double-glazed windows, extensive thermal insulation in walls and roofs, and high-performance building wraps to limit air leakage. 

The result is a home that remains comfortable year-round with minimal energy requirements.

Story by: Trendsideas