Camberwell Project

Adding an extension to a period home is about more than simply adding extra space. It is about keeping the original charm of the home while introducing the comfort, functionality, and openness that are expected in modern homes today. Finding that balance takes planning, understanding the existing architecture of the home, and showing real respect for the original features of the house.

This approach is what helped this project in Camberwell stand out at the 2018 HIA Victorian Housing Awards, where Period Extensions & Designs was a finalist in the Renovation / Addition Project $400,001 to $600,000 category.

Redefining the Ageing Home

The property, at first glance, looked tired with dated interiors and a layout that was not suited to our client’s lifestyle. Years of use had dulled the home’s functionality and visual appeal, but the period foundations were still sound. The renovation included a careful second-storey addition and a complete internal renovation, giving the home a new sense of space and purpose.

The design aimed to enhance the personality of the original structure, rather than to strip it away. Internally, the use of warm timber finishes and clean architectural lines was used throughout to create a natural and welcoming atmosphere. The hallway entry was also enhanced by the addition of a dramatic staircase, intended to be a focal point within the home.

A Brighter and More Functional Layout

The extension and renovation were also about making the home feel and function better. The new open-plan kitchen and lounge area gave a better feeling of connection between the living areas, making a space more appropriate for entertaining, relaxing, and family life.

The new layout also improved flow throughout the home, making each space feel more open without sacrificing the warmth and character often associated with period properties. Attention was paid to every detail in the material selection and interior finishes to create a continuity between the old and new spaces of the house.

The Increasing Popularity of Second-Storey Extensions

Still, the best way to add living space in established Melbourne suburbs is to build a second-storey extension while retaining the character and street presence of the older homes.

Adding a second storey gives many homeowners the extra space they need without having to move houses and without giving up the outdoor space. Second storey extensions, when done well, can greatly enhance lifestyle and long-term property value.

Projects like this one in Camberwell show how older homes can be reworked to fit modern expectations while retaining the charm that makes them so special.

Industry Recognition for Excellence in Renovation

The project’s selection as a finalist in the 2018 HIA Victorian Housing Awards highlights the high level of planning, construction quality, and architectural consideration behind the extension and renovation. Recognised within the Renovation / Addition Project $400,001 to $600,000 category, this project was a well-deserved finalist in that category.

The recognition reflects the project’s success in balancing period character with modern functionality, a key challenge in period-style renovations and second-storey extensions.

Projects like this continue to showcase Period Extensions & Designs’ strong understanding of period homes and their timeless architecture. Our thoughtful design integration and quality craftsmanship across Melbourne’s residential extension and renovation market have given Period Extensions & Designs our much-earned industry reputation.