something old, something new

Putting a modern spin on a 19th century home is definitely not for the fainthearted, but HR Constructions, with their extensive experience in historic home restoration, not only embraced the challenge, but, in close collaboration with their client, found themselves enjoying every moment of this inspiring renovation in a heritage-listed home in Chatswood.

The project required lots of love to bring it into the present and just the right amount of sensitivity to respect its past.

Despite its old, damp and dark condition, this original 1902 Victorian house had major potential – beautiful possibilities and promise the owners envisioned and dreamed of turning into a reality. Their intention was to remove all the ugly and “out of character” additions that had been added to the residence over the years and restore their home, as closely as possible, to its original state with the addition of a second storey and a 25 metre pool.

A harmonious relationship between the old and the new that ensured the various parts of the original home and its new additions were flawlessly unified.

It was clear to HR Constructions that meeting the owners’ vision of respecting the original design and ensuring all fittings, fixtures and details were in keeping with the original finish required very focused commitment, and a shared devotion and purpose with the client.The project required lots of love to bring it into the present and just the right amount of sensitivity to respect its past –something achieved through insightful collaboration with a heritage expert and the passionate, knowledgeable home-owners, all coordinated by the HR Constructions team.

The clients also wanted an extension and a glorious pool both which required integration of the original part of the house with the new addition. These additions were achieved in a harmonious relationship between the old and the new that ensured the various parts of the original home and its new additions were flawlessly unified. There were surprisingly few obstacles.

The main challenge was how to fit everything on to the 1300m2 block including 400 square metres internally, comprising 6 bedrooms,5 bathrooms, a study, formal lounge and dining, casual lounge and casual dining.This was achieved by the addition of a second storey to the home containing 4 bedrooms,2 bathrooms and a casual living area all within the existing roof space of the original house.The addition of Dorma roofs enabled natural light and ventilation, maximising the use and opportunity of the large roof cavity.

The location and excavation of the pool required extensive underpinning re-supporting the complete northern face of the house and the 25 metre lap pool across the whole back of the house, is simply breathtaking. It is fully tiled with a complete wet edge surround, an in-floor pool cover which acts as a solar blanket when closed and in floor cleaning. A beautiful,fully incorporated spa ensures the pleasure and enjoyment of taking a swim is certainly maximised.

Time was also of the essence and the project was completed in 10 months, an extremely tight period given the extensive scope of the project and the level of detail involved such as the recreation of “original” archways which needed to be done on site using outstanding and meticulous tradesmen. A heritage consultant who visited the renovation site monthly helped ensure everything complied with the strict restrictions of renovating a heritage listed house and also provided advice on final material selection.

Ongoing, direct input from the client throughout the whole process was also incredibly helpful and ensured achievement of the end goal and vision of a classic, timeless residence, which, through meticulous craftsmanship, resulted in a beautiful home in like-new condition but resplendent in its former glory and history.

See more projects by Sydney Custom Builder –  HR Constructions.

www.hrconstructions.com.au