Heritage Cottage, Port Melbourne

The extension and renovation to this heritage cottage at Port Melbourne creates a sense of spaciousness that defies the constraints of its tight urban setting. The transformation allows a young family to remain in a neighbourhood they cherish and live in a contemporary home that provides them with ample space to grow.
A second storey addition at the rear of the cottage creates space for two extra bedrooms in a loftlike setting. Discreet windows capture city views and deliver natural light to the interior. Downstairs, a compact kitchen and living space is made to feel more generous by means of a double height volume created above the lounge. A skylight and high level window introduce light from above and illuminate the pathway from the front door.

Dark grainy timber finishes, used in the kitchen and living room, draw on the aesthetic of the historic timber floors to create warmth and textural interest. A similar timber finish is applied to the living room ceiling and wall to bring focus to the living area and visually unite old and new.