restoration of a mid-19th century terrace dwelling in st kilda.
Victoria Street Residence is a carefully crafted renovation of a 170 year old single storey terrace, one of the early post-colonial dwellings on Acland St hill in St Kilda. The extension to the rear is wrapped around a secluded landscaped courtyard, allowing expression of the original dwelling whilst bringing light into multiple spaces. The original four rooms and annex layout of the original dwelling has been subtly reworked but the primary fabric remains intact.
Invisible from the street, the new extension wraps around the site to form a secluded landscaped courtyard at the centre, opening the bedroom and kitchen/living space to the view of landscaped green space, and framing the rear wall of the original dwelling. The principle living spaces offer dual aspect between the two landscaped courtyards, allowing cross-ventilation through the dwelling. To the rear, the strong roof lines with whitewashed gable presentation reinforce the sense of the rear lane as an inhabited mews.
The design has given an emphasis to energy and water efficiency. The use of double glazing, thermal insulation, water/energy saving appliances and solar panels aim to achieve excellent thermal performance and low energy consumption.
The renovation also re-use materials recycled from the existing cottage to reduce the embodied energy of the proposed new works. The client has brought expertise in woodwork and skilfully restored many of the original detailing including arched window frames and ornamental metalwork details.
