Together with Doherty Design Studio & Chan Architecture, APC Build have harnessed a collaborative approach to transform a site’s potential shortfalls into its enviable defining features. Conceived as an extension to a single-fronted Victorian terrace in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Middle Park, this project illustrates how considered orientation, materiality and clever spatial planning can enhance liveability and accentuate connection.

As is typical for renovations to heritage buildings, the façade, front two bedrooms and hallway have all been retained and restored, while the extension and the addition of a second storey are set back from the street to minimise visibility from the front.

As a complex project, APC Build’s involvement early in the design phase proved crucial in achieving a highly efficient timeline and budget and, in turn, a cohesive and thoughtful design. “Chan Architecture engaged us to provide cost estimates and buildability advice at the concept and town planning phases of the design and then again as the working drawings and interior drawings were refined,” says Peter Lo Bartolo, Managing Director of APC Build. As he explains, this approach meant the design was informed by the clients’ budget and therefore “the client could be decisive in how they were investing their money in the build.” Resultingly, no time was wasted in heavy tender, value management or redesign, and the team enjoyed a smooth and enjoyable process, allowing them to focus on high quality execution and detail.