Located in the heritage suburb of Williamstown, a small home on a large block required a transformation to suit a large family with 4 boys. Dig Design have designed additions to maximise natural light into the house, the sense of space and the connection with the outdoor spaces, challenging the form of the traditional inner west suburban cottage.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Darren + Tracey

Build: John Morlang Building Contractors

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Dig Design’s brief was twofold, to restore the heritage home in full character, but with a contemporary twist, to remove the existing lean-to and create a large contemporary extension that found a balance between spaces for human connectedness, with spaces to be enjoyed together, and spaces you could find solace in.

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The site is suburban block in Williamstown with a heritage overlay, and a north south orientation, requiring an innovative solution to maximise the site and access to natural light, whilst maintaining the neighbours access to natural light also.  A contemporary take on the sawtooth roof form allows northern sun into the main family areas of the house.

Large glazed operable walls connect the main family spaces with the large deck and external spaces.

The heritage part of the home, has been given a contemporary twist in its restoration through black and white bathrooms, charcoal carpets, black ceilings and spotted gum flooring.  Victorian bones with a contemporary palette.  Whilst the new additions are not only set apart in form but finish as well, a palette of polished concrete, oak, black and marbled elements, white walls and black window frames.

The new additions challenge the form of the traditional inner west suburban cottage.  Yet, by working with and respecting the existing house it is not overwhelmed by the new form.

The result is something not often seen in heritage suburbs like Williamstown, a distinctly modern addition that highlights and preserves the historic value of the original home, avoiding era confusion and mimicry.

Elegant, restrained and considered, contemporary detailing of joinery and finishes has helped create a place for this family of six within a suburb that they love.

We have had a history with Dig Design for over 10 years and seen Julie-Anne and Lindsay flourish into an award winning forward thinking contemporary outfit!  Not only have we referred a swag of our A-grade clients to Dig, they designed our own home. –   Darren + Tracey, Williamstown