Manningtree Road, Hawthorn Melbourne 

Heritage Renovations and Contemporary Addition

Chadwick Architects was presented with an exciting challenge when a heritage property in Hawthorn, Melbourne, was in need of a major overhaul. The cherished family home had been lived in for half a century, but it was time for some much-needed modernization and extensive renovations inside and out.

We set out to revitalize the property with a sensitive touch that would bring it back to its former glory. Our vision for the rear living area addition was to create a space that would provide joy in all seasons, a reflection of the brave and daring spirit of our client. We designed a faceted roof plane that responds to changing light conditions diurnally and seasonally, allowing controlled natural light to play on its surface and transform with the time of day.

Heritage Renovations and Extension

Located in the prestigious, leafy suburb of Hawthorn, the design for Killena by Chadwick Architects represents a carefully curated dialogue between history and modernity. The design responded to the brief of transforming the grand Victorian heritage residence (circa 1896) into a flexible, forever base for a growing family with children at varying stages of life.

The design strategy centers on a sensitive heritage renovation coupled with a striking contemporary double-storey addition. Rather than mimicking the original 19th-century architecture, the new additions establish a clear yet respectful distinction between the old and the new. A carefully curated material palette nods to the past through texture and tone while firmly rooting the extension in the present day.

At the heart of the home lies a beautiful central courtyard garden. The architecture wraps around this green room, framing views of the landscape from all living areas and bathing the interiors in natural light. This inward-looking approach creates a sense of a "private sanctuary," shielding the residents from the bustle of urban life while maintaining a strong connection to nature.

The result is a functional, sophisticated family home that honors its Hawthorn heritage while embracing the ease of modern living.