Project team
- Bryant Alsop Architects
- Jack Lovel
A heritage revival with modern grace.
Surrey House is a distinguished terrace nestled within an historic Melbourne streetscape. Part of a run of boom-time Victorian terrace homes, it stood with time-worn elegance, quietly awaiting revival. Our clients, passionate about food, wine and entertaining, came to us with a clear vision to bring new life to this character-filled residence and create a space to share with family and friends. The brief called for a transformation: to retain the home's heritage essence while enhancing light, flow and connection.
- Building style
- Classic
Working within a narrow inner-city block is never without challenges, but it is a typology we understand deeply. The original floor plan was a series of dark and disconnected rooms. In response, we introduced thoughtful planning strategies to carve out a series of generous, airy volumes.
A two-storey addition extends from the rear, designed to integrate effortlessly with the heritage structure. The new kitchen and informal living area open to the garden, creating a natural gathering space at the heart of the home. A conservatory-style bay window, framed in steel, brings in northern light and garden views. It is a contemporary counterpoint that respects the home's roots while speaking to the way we live today. The landscape, designed in close collaboration with the landscape architects, bridges old and new, softening edges and strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection.
The interiors strike a confident balance between historic richness and contemporary glamour. Drawing on Victorian motifs, a monochromatic palette of black and white adds depth and elegance. Refined finishes and detailing speak to the quality of the restoration. Every room reveals a tactile, visual richness that elevates everyday living. Large-format stone flooring runs from the kitchen and living spaces out into the garden, visually expanding the space and encouraging movement between indoors and out.
Restoring a heritage home is a responsibility as much as it is a design opportunity. This project demanded deep respect for the original structure and collaboration with skilled trades. Together, we reinstated and celebrated the home's historical character. We restored the tessellated verandah, internal decorative plasterwork, and the original stair and balustrade. The front façade has been lovingly returned to its original presence, now anchoring the entire project with authenticity and grace
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