Heritage Reimagined Victorian Terrace

Nestled within the inner streets of Melbourne, this Victorian terrace originally constructed in the mid 19th century has been thoughtfully transformed to suit contemporary life while honouring its historic roots.

The renovation carefully balances heritage preservation with modern architectural expression. Original brickwork, timber elements, and decorative details have been restored with care, maintaining the home’s authentic character and its strong connection to the surrounding streetscape.

GALLERY  

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. A north facing courtyard plays a pivotal role in the new layout, bringing daylight deep into the home. Located alongside the dining area, it functions as a central retreat within the plan. When combined with a glazed, double height void, the courtyard enhances the sense of volume and creates a visual link between levels. As Lenny Sacco, Principal Designer at Base Building Design, notes, the result is a home that feels open, connected, and light filled throughout.

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, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Due to the project’s constrained access, Rylock’s site activities team conducted a detailed assessment prior to installation. Working collaborating 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 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. This works in tandem with the home’s polished concrete floors, which store warmth throughout the day and gradually release it in the evening, improving overall 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 laundry also connects to the yard through a Hinged Door, complemented by an Awning Window above. Positioned high for privacy, the window can be securely fixed open, allowing for year round ventilation.

Overall, this project presents a considered reinterpretation of a classic terrace, where historic charm and modern functionality come together to create a bright, adaptable family home.

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