renovation | tyson st | ainslie
This project involved transforming a compact, 78sqm heritage-listed brick duplex into a spacious family home, while navigating a series of complex site constraints. The brief called for an additional bedroom with ensuite, a study, new kitchen, expanded living spaces, and a garage — all within a restrictive 27.5% plot ratio and under strict heritage controls.
The large block was bisected by a 2.5m-wide drainage easement just behind the original cottage, with an additional sewer easement further limiting the buildable area. The design response positioned the majority of the new spaces behind the easement, connecting them to the original cottage via a carefully engineered link that bridges the site constraint. This link also establishes a new entry and defines sunny, north-facing courtyard spaces that bring natural light deep into the new living areas.
The additions are deliberately contemporary, creating a visual contrast that accentuates the heritage qualities of the original cottage. A flat-roofed form with parapet walls ensures the existing pitched roof remains dominant. Recessive timber cladding and reclaimed brickwork complement but don’t compete with the historic fabric.
The resulting home balances heritage sensitivity with modern family needs, creating generous, light-filled living areas and a clear distinction between old and new.
“We approached Adam to help us extend our small heritage cottage into a home that would accommodate our growing family, both now and into the future.”
“Adam immediately had great ideas on how to contrast the extension with the existing heritage characteristics of our house, which we were very enthusiastic about. We were impressed with how Adam was respectful of incorporating our ideas as the design process evolved and how his ideas elevated the whole design both practically and aesthetically. Adam was also able to help us navigate the planning process through his knowledge and experience in this area and also provided a detailed list of specifications to ensure the selection of builders and the building process was relatively straight forward. Overall we found Adam very personable and have had no trouble recommending him to friends. We are extremely satisfied with our new home.”