With an enviable number of existing heritage buildings still standing, it’s no surprise that Melbourne is a place where older homes are particularly prized.
From some of Melbourne’s most famous public buildings to the latest season of The Block, restoring heritage homes to their former glory is a city-wide obsession, especially in the inner suburbs where retaining heritage facades and key style elements maximise street appeal and home value.
The current demand centres around homes that retain heritage features while accommodating a modern lifestyle. An extension is usually the name of the game, either raising up the building to add a storey, or extending the build to take up more of the available land. Creating a more “open-plan” interior layout is often a priority, as this is more in line with the way modern families live.
A challenging aspect when restoring heritage homes are the small rooms that can feel dingy and stuffy by modern standards. Opening up these rooms with larger windows is key. The versatility of Viridian glass can add light to any room, without compromising design sensibilities of the space.