Designing for Hawthorn  | Where Heritage and Modern Living Coexist

Hawthorn and Hawthorn East are among Melbourne's most architecturally layered suburbs. Victorian terraces, Edwardian villas, and interwar bungalows line streets that run between Glenferrie Road and the Yarra — each one carrying a character shaped by over 150 years of history. It's a suburb where design decisions matter, where a new addition can either deepen that character or work against it.

At Chadwick Architects, we've been working in Hawthorn and across Boroondara for many years. We understand the suburb's planning environment (one of the most heritage-sensitive in Melbourne) and we know how to design homes that genuinely belong here.

Understanding Hawthorn's Planning Environment

Hawthorn sits within the City of Boroondara, which has one of the most extensive heritage overlay frameworks in Victoria. The Hawthorn Heritage Gap Study, implemented through Amendment C282, introduced seven new heritage precincts and extended several existing ones across the suburb. Hawthorn East followed with its own Gap Study (Amendment C308boro), permanently applying the Heritage Overlay to 17 individual properties and eight precincts in 2021.

What this means practically: if your property sits within or near a heritage precinct or overlay, any renovation, extension, or new build will require a planning permit. The design must respond to the heritage significance of the place including its materials, proportions, setbacks, and relationship to the streetscape.

This isn't a reason to avoid ambitious design. It's a reason to work with architects who understand how to make heritage requirements work for you, not against you.

What We Know About Designing in Boroondara

• Heritage Overlay permit applications: what triggers them, what council is looking for, and how to get them across the line

• Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ) requirements that govern lot coverage, height, and setbacks in most of Hawthorn's residential streets

• Council's expectations for new additions to heritage dwellings: contrast versus mimicry, setbacks, roofline relationships

• Tree protection requirements and Boroondara's canopy replacement policies

• How to read and respond to a Statement of Significance for your individual property

How We Work in Hawthorn

Every Hawthorn project starts with the specific site including its heritage status, its relationship to neighbours and the street, its structural bones, and what you need your home to become. We don't apply a formula. We start with a conversation.

We work across two dominant project types in Hawthorn:

Heritage Renovation & Extensions

Hawthorn's existing housing stock is largely Victorian and Edwardian. Many of our clients have purchased a home in the suburb precisely because of its architecture — and then need to make it work for a contemporary family. We design extensions and internal transformations that bring the home into the present without erasing what made it worth buying.

Considered New Builds

Where demolition is permitted, typically on sites outside heritage overlays or where a building has been assessed as having no contributory significance, we design new homes that respond to the grain and scale of Hawthorn's streets. These are not generic architectural statements. They're homes designed to earn their place in an established neighbourhood.

Projects in Hawthorn

We have designed several projects in and around Hawthorn and Hawthorn East, including:

Why Chadwick Architects for Your Hawthorn Project

• We have a track record of completed projects in Hawthorn and Hawthorn East, not just experience claimed on paper

• Principal Michael Chadwick personally leads every project meaning you work with the architect, not a junior team

• We have direct experience navigating Boroondara Council's heritage officers and planning processes

• Our design approach respects the suburb's character while creating homes that are genuinely modern in how they work

• We work within your budget, providing clear guidance at each stage on cost implications of design decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

My house is in a heritage overlay. Can I still extend or renovate?

Yes, a Heritage Overlay doesn't prevent development. It requires that any new work is designed to respect the significance of the place. We prepare planning permit applications for heritage properties regularly, and we know how to design proposals that council can approve.

How do I know if my property is in a heritage precinct?

The quickest way is to run your address through the Boroondara Planning Scheme map viewer, which shows all overlay controls. Alternatively, contact us, we'll check your site's status as part of our initial consultation.

What's the planning process like in Boroondara compared to other councils?

Boroondara is one of Melbourne's more rigorous councils for residential planning, particularly for heritage and neighbourhood character. Applications are assessed carefully, and objections from neighbours are not uncommon in heritage precincts. We navigate this process regularly and build strategies to minimise delay.

How long does a project in Hawthorn or Hawthorn East typically take?

From initial consultation to occupancy, a heritage renovation and extension typically take 18 months depending on planning permit timelines, approvals, and construction. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the outset and keep you informed through every stage.

Start a Conversation About Your Hawthorn Property

Whether you're planning a renovation, an extension, or assessing a property before you buy, we're happy to talk through what's possible. Michael Chadwick offers a no-obligation 15-minute phone conversation to discuss your project.

Architects and Interior Designers in Hawthorn & Hawthorn East | Chadwick Architects 

Hawthorn, a well-established inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, holds a prestigious reputation, particularly for its architectural heritage and serene environment. Just 7km from Melbourne's bustling CBD, Hawthorn seamlessly blends a rich history with modern amenities, making it a highly attractive location for both residents and architectural professionals.

The suburb is celebrated for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture, featuring a wealth of grand homes, expansive gardens, sprawling parklands, and idyllic tree-lined streets that contribute to its generally peaceful atmosphere. This blend of historic charm and natural beauty offers a unique canvas for architects and interior designers, who are often tasked with sensitively restoring and extending these heritage properties while incorporating contemporary design principles. The area also sees modern developments, creating a diverse architectural landscape.

Beyond its beautiful residences, Hawthorn offers an eclectic mix of arts and entertainment. The suburb attracts both locals and tourists, drawn by its beautiful botanic gardens and the iconic Hawthorn Arts Centre. The Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and performances. For those with an academic inclination, the prestigious Swinburne University of Technology is a major drawcard. Its Hawthorn campus offers a wide range of courses, including programs in Built Environment and Architecture, providing a fertile ground for aspiring designers and a source of innovation within the local industry.

Hawthorn's combination of historical elegance, cultural vibrancy, and educational excellence ensures it has something to offer everyone, from sports enthusiasts to scholars, and provides a rich context for the work of architects and interior designers.

Hawthorn: A Coveted Inner-Eastern Suburb with Enduring Appeal

Hawthorn, a prominent inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, continues to be a highly sought-after residential area, boasting a vibrant blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. With a population of approximately 25,545 residents and around 12,851 dwellings, Hawthorn offers a diverse living experience just 7 kilometers from Melbourne's bustling CBD.

The architectural appeal of Hawthorn is characterized by a compelling mix of historic and modern architecture. The suburb is particularly renowned for its grand historic homes, many of which offer stunning views of the Yarra River, alongside a growing number of contemporary apartments that cater to various lifestyles. This architectural diversity provides a rich tapestry for residents and contributes to the suburb's unique character.

Hawthorn's exceptional curb appeal is further amplified by its abundant parks and gardens, providing residents with ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The renowned Yarra Bend Park, a significant natural reserve, offers extensive walking and cycling trails along the river. Culturally, the Hawthorn Arts Centre, housed in a magnificent historic former town hall, stands as a vibrant hub for cultural activities, performances, and exhibitions, further enhancing the suburb's appeal.

For those interested in delving into Melbourne's colonial past, a visit to the historic and beautiful Como House and Gardens is an essential experience. This grand 19th-century mansion offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of early Melbourne, making it a significant historical landmark within the suburb.

Hawthorn's strategic location, combined with its architectural grandeur, lush green spaces, and rich cultural offerings, solidifies its position as a truly desirable Melbourne suburb.