Strikingly contemporary additions to a heritage home located in Williamstown to accommodate a family of four, with town planning permits successfully negotiated without the need to front at VCAT.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Janelle + Jeremy

Build:  Sier Constructions

Photography:  Peter Clarke

Located in the heritage suburb of Williamstown and subject to a heritage overlay, the front four heritage rooms were retained and restored, with large contemporary additions forming the rear of the home.

It is a challenge in Williamstown, with its strict heritage controls, to get contemporary design approved, so the additions are designed to have minimal visibility from the street thus maintaining the heritage streetscape and are subsequently situated to the far west of the site.  The first floor opens up to views looking over existing roof toward parkland and Williamstown Beach, and the siting of the house caters for a young active family.

The local authority has a very conservative approach to conforming with their planning policies.  We were able to negotiate with them that successful heritage additions don’t need to be copies or be apologetic.

We are very proud that we were able to create a piece of quality architecture that stands on its own right but also addresses all the heritage guideline points, without the need to visit VCAT.

Key to the client’s brief was a home that could suit the needs of a young family now and adapt to their needs in the future.  Respecting the original structure of the building we seamlessly paired a contemporary extension to the rear of the property for a family of four.  We were able to create spaces with a balance between providing enough space whilst maintaining a sense of scale and intimacy.  Spaces have been created such that the family can be in different areas yet stay connected, or that they can come together for shared experiences.

As a multi-discipline design practice of architects and interior designers, Dig Design’s design process is a collaborative one right from the outset.  Ideas and principles are actively discussed within our team with each discipline challenging the other, working toward better results.