Liddiard St Extension, Hawthorn by Chan Architecture

Liddiard St Extension

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Renovating and extending a typical Victorian terrace always poses a unique set of challenges. The blocks are often long and narrow, with a symmetrical arrangement of period-style bedrooms at the front of the house divided by a central corridor, leading out to a small lean-to structure that was typically constructed in the 1960s and 70s. This creates a house that has the 'nice' part of the house at the front, whereas the rear living spaces are often small, dark, cramped, and often awkwardly planned. So the main challenges with any extension such as this are firstly how to seamlessly transition from the old part of the house to the new, and how to create a sense of spaciousness and light in the new living spaces, whilst still respecting the original building. Our approach was to firstly separate the new and the old via the insertion of a black timber-lined box, containing the two bathrooms on both sides accessed via hidden doors. This created a clear visual break between the new and the old, as well as creating a sense of drama when one walks through the dark corridor with the lowered ceiling into the new light-filled living space. The new living area opens up towards the garden, via a raked ceiling and fully openable stacker doors to allow the backyard to be part of the house, allow sunlight to penetrate into the living spaces in the winter months, and allow for natural ventilation to run through the entire house. Whilst the living, dining, and kitchen areas are part of the same area, they have been defined by the pendant light fittings, furniture, and soft floor furnishings. The material palette was carefully chosen to provide softness and warmth to the clean lines of the design, by using natural materials such as plywood on the ceiling, the sheer linen curtains, and the blackbutt flooring. At the same time, the detailing was carefully considered via concealed pelmets for furnishings and lighting, concealed fixings of ceiling linings, flooring and joinery, and minimal use of handles so as to not distract from the form and expression of the design. From a sustainability perspective, passive design principles were adopted throughout, including shaded double glazed windows to the north preventing heat in the summer and allowing sunlight in the winter, large openable windows on opposite ends of the house for natural ventilation, recycling water from the roof and laundry, solar panels to generate power and extensive insulation and sealing to prevent heat loss. This all combines to create a dwelling that requires almost no artificial heating or cooling. Photography: Tatjana Plitt Photography

Renovating and extending a typical Victorian terrace always poses a unique set of challenges. Read more

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luxury homes family house extension projects renovations contemporary

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Chan Architecture

Thoughtfully designed extension of a Victorian terrace, seamlessly blending old and new while maximizing light and space, featuring sustainable design principles and a warm material palette.

So the main challenges with any extension such as this are firstly how to seamlessly transition from the old part of the house to the new, and how to create a sense of spaciousness and light in the new living spaces, whilst still respecting the original building.

Our approach was to firstly separate the new and the old via the insertion of a black timber-lined box, containing the two bathrooms on both sides accessed via hidden doors. This created a clear visual break between the new and the old, as well as creating a sense of drama when one walks through the dark corridor with the lowered ceiling into the new light-filled living space.

The new living area opens up towards the garden, via a raked ceiling and fully openable stacker doors to allow the backyard to be part of the house, allow sunlight to penetrate into the living spaces in the winter months, and allow for natural ventilation to run through the entire house.

Whilst the living, dining, and kitchen areas are part of the same area, they have been defined by the pendant light fittings, furniture, and soft floor furnishings.

The material palette was carefully chosen to provide softness and warmth to the clean lines of the design, by using natural materials such as plywood on the ceiling, the sheer linen curtains, and the blackbutt flooring. At the same time, the detailing was carefully considered via concealed pelmets for furnishings and lighting, concealed fixings of ceiling linings, flooring and joinery, and minimal use of handles so as to not distract from the form and expression of the design.

From a sustainability perspective, passive design principles were adopted throughout, including shaded double glazed windows to the north preventing heat in the summer and allowing sunlight in the winter, large openable windows on opposite ends of the house for natural ventilation, recycling water from the roof and laundry, solar panels to generate power and extensive insulation and sealing to prevent heat loss. This all combines to create a dwelling that requires almost no artificial heating or cooling.

Photography: Tatjana Plitt Photography

5.3K4h 23m

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Professional Reviews

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“Simone and I want to formally thank you for our beautiful home. Since moving back "home" we have had numerous visitors to our house and they have all commented on how fantastic the design is. Unexpectedly numerous tradesmen completing the final touches have taken the time to make positive comments. But most importantly our family is happy and enjoying the final result. When we had our first meeting with you over two years ago our aspirations were naive. We wanted the best parts of our Edwardian house retained- the large front rooms and the high ceilings. Crucially we wanted a modern house to meet the needs of our young family for the next 20 years. One of main reasons that we chose to engage you at that meeting was that we felt you "got it". You listened and were open to our needs and idea. Throughout the next two years that calm, patient and responsive approach was repeatedly demonstrated. The Sketch Design, Design Development and Town Planning phase is now a distant memory but it was at this stage your organisation and attention to detail became apparent. At this stage it seemed that almost no idea or request from us was too hard or unreasonable. We felt very reassured that we were able to explore a variety of concepts to arrive at what is now a pleasurable house to live in. Your advice and support in choosing the fittings, finishes and materials made this process so much easier. You gave us the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. When tendering your efforts in seeking a builder to work within our budget constraints ensured that the final design became a construction project. It is hard to believe that I considered doing the contract administration myself. Miriam and your ability to work with the builder has saved our sanity! I had no idea how complex joining an 80 year old house to a new extension and liaising with so many trades could be. Whenever a friend asked: "How is your renovation is going?" I replied: "I don't know what I would do without Chan Architecture." At our site meetings I was regularly impressed at your ability to work with the builder to solve problems as they arose. I was worried about cost blowouts but amazingly cost variations were kept to less than 3% of the total budget. I think key to managing all of this was the high level of accurate documentation and organisation. As I now know you minimised the builder queries and decisions required from us. The clear phone, email and personal communication minimised much of the stress for us. It seemed that at any time I could call with a query and either Miriam or yourself would patiently answer. All the organisation, good communication and attention to detail would be pointless if the final product wasn't what we wanted. After just a few weeks of living at home we are enjoying the creative ways you introduced natural light in our house. We love the way the old and new join together. The rooms flow together so that home is a pleasure to be in. The spectacular upstairs extension provides exactly the quiet parents retreat we desired. Your guidance of finishes means the internal looks calm and subdued. Whilst the external is already a pleasurable talking point in Abbotsford. I could go on but suffice to say we anticipate will still be enjoying the design and efforts of Anthony and Miriam and be for grateful for the services of Chan Architecture. We would be pleased to discuss any queries from prospective clients and if it is helpful show them the finished product.”

- Nicholson St House, Abbotsford