Heritage Design That Respects the Original Home
Distinct Innovations provides heritage building design and architectural drafting for extensions and renovations across Sydney We develop additions that support contemporary living while respecting the original home’s form, proportions, materials, streetscape character and heritage significance. A qualified heritage consultant is engaged on every heritage project to provide specialist advice and prepare the Heritage Impact Statement.
Why Choose Us for Heritage Home Design
30+ Years’ Experience:
Extensive residential design experience across heritage and conservation areas.
Specialist Heritage Input:
We coordinate on your behalf with qualified heritage consultant -engaged on every heritage project.
Early Planning Review:
Heritage controls, site constraints and approval requirements are considered before the design is developed.
Balanced Design Response:
New work is planned to respect the original home while supporting modern family living.
Coordinated Documentation:
Architectural drawings, consultant information and DA documentation are prepared as a coordinated submission.
Transparent Design Fees:
Fees reflect the project scope and documentation required, not the construction budget.
Heritage Extension Design
Client Feedback
Strathfield House: "Luke made us feel confident to move forward with our project from our first meeting. Luke was able to listen and understand our needs, he was clear, always punctual, very professional and easy to communicate with. We love living in our new home and our guests love to be entertained here! thank you Luke
Our Heritage Design Portfolio
Examples of our approved and built heritage DA projects are shown below. These projects demonstrate how older homes can be carefully adapted for modern living while respecting their original character, streetscape presentation and heritage planning requirements. Our heritage work includes rear additions, upper-storey additions, internal reworking and contemporary extensions behind original façades.
Several of these projects have also received industry design awards, reflecting the care, detail and design resolution involved in adapting older homes for contemporary living.
How We Design Heritage Extensions & Renovations
Heritage Homes Adapted for Modern Living
A well-designed heritage renovation should improve space, comfort and everyday liveability while respecting the original home and its streetscape setting. We design renovations and extensions for homes within Heritage Conservation Areas and individually heritage-listed properties across Sydney.
Why Early Investigation Matters
Heritage controls, site constraints and likely documentation requirements should be reviewed before the design progresses too far.
We assess the relevant council controls early, identify potential issues and coordinate input from a qualified heritage consultant. This helps establish a practical design direction and reduces the risk of unnecessary redesign.
Award-Winning Heritage Design
Heritage requirements do not prevent good design. An addition may reflect the character of the original home or take a more contemporary approach behind the existing façade, depending on the property and council controls.
With more than 30 years of residential design experience, including extensive work across Sydney’s Inner West, our heritage projects have been recognised for their design resolution, care and attention to detail.
What Our Heritage Design Services Includes
Heritage Site Review
We assess your property’s heritage status, streetscape context, council controls, site constraints and existing building fabric to identify the most appropriate approval pathway early in the project.
Heritage Renovation & Extension Design
We design rear additions, upper-storey additions and internal alterations that respect the original home while improving natural light, space and functionality.
Architectural Drafting & Documentation
We prepare detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, shadow diagrams and material notes for council assessment and consultant review.
Council Liaison & DA Documentation
We prepare and coordinate the technical documentation for your development application, manage the NSW Planning Portal lodgement within our agreed scope and respond to relevant planning and heritage matters during the assessment process.
Heritage Consultant Coordination
We coordinate the required input from heritage consultants, planners, engineers, BASIX assessors and surveyors, helping align the design and supporting documentation with the Statement of Heritage Impact and other consultant requirements.
Buildable Heritage Design
We balance heritage character with construction practicality, protecting the original streetscape while improving privacy, natural light, functionality and everyday liveability.
Interior Detailing & Finishes Packages
For comprehensive heritage renovations, we offer optional interior detailing. This helps align new kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, joinery and finishes with the character of the existing home, supporting a cohesive result and clearer builder pricing.
Heritage Extensions FAQs
Do I need a specialist heritage architect for my project?
Not necessarily. Distinct Innovations prepares the building design and technical drawings, while an appropriately qualified and experienced external heritage consultant prepares the required Statement of Heritage Impact. We coordinate this report, along with any other required specialist reports and documentation, as part of the DA process.
Will council allow a modern rear extension to a heritage home?
A contemporary rear extension may be acceptable where it responds appropriately to the property’s heritage significance. Council will consider matters such as scale, form, materials, visibility from the street and the relationship between the new and existing building.
Will I need to retain the original front façade?
In many heritage projects, the street-facing façade and other significant original features are expected to be retained. The extent of permissible change depends on the property’s heritage significance, the applicable planning controls and council’s assessment.