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The Victorian Cottage in Williamstown has always been different. Although its classic bullnose facade and four front rooms are typical of its 1860s vintage - and protected by a heritage overlay - the rear of the little house was built in an unusual way for its era. There was a verandah and lean-to housing the kitchen along the north side, with an outdoor toilet, ternery, sheds and small backyard facing south. It was also painted white, rather than the heritage colours used at the time.
Little changed as it passed through four generations of her family, except that it grew more dilapidated and unlivable, until 2004 when Beryl's sons Justin and Sean decided to renovate it for her. They engaged designer Paul Gleeson, director of AIGP.
In the front four rooms, the heritage overlay prevented ant structural work, so Paul introduced contemporary touches in line with his pared-back style. At entry, the hallway features glossy Japan ink-stained floorbpards; the first two two rooms contrast with full-height, white spaghetti curtains. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors surround an open fireplace in the main bedroom, which also includes a dressing room and ensuite converted from the adjoining dining room. Paul likes his ceiling bare, so each room has only two downlights within a bulkhead. Bluestone was chosen for all wet areas, the rear living space and the outdoor paving in reference to the house's bluestone founndations.
While the updates to the front of the house are subtle from the street, the rear of the house is a different story. The tight block - 260 square metres - made difficult any major architectural statements, so Paul demolished everything from the end of the hallway and started again.
The enclosed interior comprises a long, north-facing living room and kitchen, with a wall of bifolds opening to a small backyard - effectively flipping what was before. Above the bifolds, a row of clerestory windows provides more light, while bluestone floors add warmth and depth.
Outside, the bluestone flows past a timber banquette seat with storage within - there's no room for garden shed - and a retaining wall flourishing with plans.
The enclosed living space is introduced by his most abstract statement - a long utility space resembling a shipping container - that is perpendicular to the end of the hallway. Referencing Williamstown's maritime history, it features a wall made from Alucobond aluminium cladding that divides old and new. This utility space is entirely practical: the laundry is near the kitchen, and the bathroom doubles as an ensuite with a door to the second bedroom. "Our plans are very logical and I think that's hallmark of what we do."
Extracted from Annie Reid's "Heirloom Enliveded" - HOUSES Issue 73
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