With respect to the past

Designed by Cecilia Sanders, Blank Canvas Architects

From the renovating architect:

The core ambition was to create a more thoughtful and contextually sensitive response to extending a heritage home – one that moved beyond the familiar old-meets-new gesture. 

The original Federation house was restored, its intimate rooms retained for quiet, reflective uses, while the new addition was conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the old. 

Clear transition

Rather than mimicry, the design establishes a clear transition between eras yet maintains a sense of continuity through proportion, materiality and tone. 

Subtle references – mottled brickwork echoing the grain of the original timber, vertical cladding that quietly aligns with heritage textures, and a soft rendered façade that becomes a backdrop for the new volume – create cohesion without diluting the identity of either part.

The owner brief centred on preserving the home’s heritage character while introducing generous living spaces, abundant natural light, stronger indoor-outdoor connection and, critically, retaining the magnificent mature eucalyptus tree at the rear. 

Eucalyptus tree as defining anchor

This tree became a defining anchor for the project, shaping views, shading the extension and informing the landscape strategy. 

Its presence also unlocked opportunities within the site’s natural slope. 

Instead of resisting the fall of the land, the design embraced it, creating terraced levels, sculpted zones and courtyard gardens that draw light and air deep into the plan.

These stepped spaces reduce visual bulk, improve accessibility and generate a layered, landscape-led experience throughout the home.

New gabled living volume

The new gabled living volume is designed for gathering, cooking and seamless indoor-outdoor living. 

The extension’s form is deliberately simple yet expressive, allowing craftsmanship, brickwork, cladding and the play of light to define atmosphere rather than ornamentation.

Detail, proportion and landscape

The gabled volume, layered brickwork and courtyard gardens illustrate how detail, proportion and landscape work together to create a home that feels sculpted, grounded and deeply connected to its site. 

The result is a nuanced dialogue between heritage and contemporary architecture – one that respects the past, responds to the present and is resilient for the future.

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Story by: Trendsideas