A quaint, two-tone single-fronted brick cottage in North Carlton has been restored to it’s former glory, and enhanced by new additions at the rear.

The house lies within a heritage overlay and is surrounded by predominantly low-rise brick cottages and townhouses. Existing site conditions were restrictive but north facing, thus enabling the proposed additions to maximise northern light to all new living and service areas.

A proposed new carport drapes over an existing brick structure in the backyard, to incorporate any “loose ends” under one roof. The proposed roof uses polycarbonate sheets to allow sunlight through; its form is a nod to service station design from the 1950’s.

Particular effort was made to retain existing established fruit trees and a grape vine portico, as an homage to the area’s previous Italian migration connection/ owners, which provide a green outlook and welcome shade from harsh afternoon sunlight.

Dark colorbond cladding and recycled red-bricks re-used from demolition works enforce sustainable principles and create a contemporary, yet sympathetic cubic addition to the period home.