Winner - Best Heritage
Building Designers Association of Australia National Excellence in Design Awards 2025

Finalist - Alterations & Additions Up to $1m
Building Designers Association of Australia National Excellence in Design Awards 2025

Winner - Alterations & Additions $900k - $1mil
2023 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Housing Awards
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Designed by Distinct Innovations, Luke Van Jour, the project involved a rear extension and renovation to a heritage-listed Federation home. Heritage projects demand a deep understanding of architectural history, proportion, and materials, and this home required an especially thoughtful approach. After nearly a year of detailed consultation and negotiation with Canada Bay Council, the development application was finally approved, allowing us to move forward with a design that respected the home’s original charm while creating light-filled, contemporary family spaces.

Working alongside an exceptional builder, we transformed the property with craftsmanship that honoured its character yet met modern lifestyle needs. These alterations and additions showcased the power of collaboration, a shared vision between designer, builder, and clients with a strong eye for detail.

The success of this project extended beyond awards. In 2024, the owners decided to sell, achieving another milestone when the property set a new sales record in the neighbourhood, recouping renovation costs and securing an impressive profit.

This project stands as a perfect example of what we aim for at Distinct Innovations: timeless design, quality construction, and enduring value, proving that thoughtful heritage extensions and renovations in Sydney can be both respectful and remarkable.