Built at approximately the same time, one in 1880 and the other 1890, these two single-fronted Victorian terraces both conceal strong contemporary additions. Located in a heritage streetscape, both still appear in original condition from the street. Reworked for contemporary living, each of these terraces now include large open plan kitchen and living areas, with the bedrooms located at ground level and the living areas above, to take advantage of the natural light. 

Benefiting from dual access, RN+S decided from the outset to orientate both homes to the rear laneway, which had evolved more into a pedestrian thoroughfare for residents. Complete with garages, the land at the rear was also conceived as gardens to use and enjoy. Hence, the rear gardens are low-maintenance and benefit from fibreglass outdoor decks leading from the living areas above as well as external staircases accessed at the rear. Having staircases at both the front and rear of the properties not only allows for greater movement throughout each home and importantly, easy access to the rear garden and laneway. 

While the ground floor in each terrace has been extensively reworked, with bedrooms and new bathrooms, the upper level, in a lightweight construction, is open plan. Set back from the street by eight metres, these additions, clad in timber panels, are recessed behind the original chimneys. Featuring pitched timber ceilings and highlight celestial windows, the open plan kitchen and living areas benefit not only from increased natural light but also city views. 

Both dwellings were in fairly basic condition prior to these renovations, with one virtually uninhabitable. And while both were given major upgrades, there are still signs of the past, with slightly gritty and worn facades still presenting as an important and respected nod to this heritage streetscape. 

Completed now and home to a new generation they are now fit for purpose for the next 100 years thanks to being rebuilt into high performing thermally, passive designed and energy light homes.