GROVE

A heritage-listed dwelling whose character is preserved, its attributes drawn out, its spaces quietly transformed to hold modern life with ease. "Grove" finds the contemporary within the historic. Within a narrow footprint, the design finds unexpected generosity: a sequence of rooms that moves a young family from the energy of the inner city into something quieter, more considered, more their own.

A double-height rear volume extends the upper-level roof line, giving all the space to one new room. The addition replaces a single storey compromised lean-to, and has virtually no presence from the street. The addition embraces an unexpected quietude — a grove of mature kentia and date palms frames the space, filtering dappled light. This connection to nature transforms an urban terrace into contemplative, tranquil retreat where the rustling of leaves replaces city noise and the dramatic vertical forms of the tropical plantings echo the soaring proportions of the addition itself. Rustling leaves replace city noise. An urban terrace becomes a contemplative retreat.

Inside, the extension is generous and light-filled — and paired with a reimagined programme throughout the original dwelling, it fundamentally expands what the house can offer. A new kitchen, laundry and powder room are configured as functional circulation between the old and new spaces. “Grove” is a heritage renovation that gives more than it takes — character preserved, fabric elevated, spaces remade for the way people live now.

“Grove’s” innovation lies in restraint made technically demanding. Every new joinery element is conceived as furniture — sitting clear of original walls, ceilings, and floors so the heritage fabric remains intact and uncompromised beneath. Most critically, the new attic stair floats within the original space, suspended to preserve adjacent windows and wall detailing while drawing light deep into the heart of the home. This required close collaboration between architect, builder, and engineer to resolve. Taken together, these decisions demonstrate that the most inventive response to a heritage interior is often the least visible one — innovation measured in what was saved as much as what was added.

In the client’s words: "The design brings all the comforts of modern living while honouring the historical soul of our home. The extensions at the rear and attic have transformed how we live; flooding the house with light and giving us new versatility in every space. The rear addition has become the heart of family life. Its large pivot doors open fully on both sides, and a generous skylight keeps it cool in summer yet bright and warm through winter. On a small block, it's given us what we craved most: a genuine connection to the garden, the quietness of the lane, and a sense of openness we never thought possible."

Traditional custodians: Cammeraygal People of the Eora Nation

Photography: Anson Smart

Styling: Jack Milenkovic

Team: Madeleine Blanchfield, Amber Lush, Jacqueline Lindeman