Heritage Renovations and Double Storey Extension

Chadwick Architects were engaged to sensitively restore and extend a double-fronted Victorian brick terrace on a prominent street in Richmond, Melbourne,  balancing rigorous heritage conservation at the front with a bold, contemporary addition to the rear.

Heritage Conservation

The original Victorian façade, with its decorative gable, exposed rafters, polychrome brickwork and ornamental chimneys, has been carefully retained and restored to preserve the home's contribution to Richmond's heritage streetscape. Original room proportions, period detailing and materiality were respected throughout the front of the house, ensuring the addition reads as a considered evolution rather than a departure from the home's history.

Contemporary Addition

To the rear, a robust double-storey addition in a richly textured, timeless brick establishes a clear yet complementary dialogue with the original dwelling. The addition steps back from the street, allowing the heritage form to remain the dominant presence from the public realm, while the new volumes open generously toward light, landscape and outlook.

Courtyard & Natural Light

At the heart of the plan, a double-height internal courtyard draws natural light deep into the centre of the home,  a space often lost in narrow terrace typologies. This light-well anchors the new living areas, connecting upper and lower level bedrooms and creating a moment of calm and orientation within the building's depth.

Garden Connectivity

Large-format glazing and considered sightlines link the new addition directly to garden and courtyard spaces at ground level, while a green roof terrace above extends the connection to landscape vertically. The result is a home that moves fluidly between heritage character and contemporary indoor-outdoor living