Why Choose Us To Design Your Heritage Extension Renovation
Heritage Experience
30+ years’ residential design experience, including heritage homes and conservation areas.
Early Site Review
Heritage status, council controls, streetscape and site constraints reviewed early.
Sensitive Additions
Rear and upper-storey additions designed to respect the existing home and its character.
Clear Fee Proposals
Fees based on agreed scope, with inclusions and exclusions clearly outlined from the outset.
"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 completed and approved heritage and conservation-area projects are shown below. Our experience includes individually heritage-listed homes, properties within Heritage Conservation Areas, new homes requiring a sensitive streetscape response, rear and upper-storey additions, and contemporary extensions behind retained 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.
Heritage & Conservation Area Design
Extension & Renovation Design Services
Heritage projects need to respond to the significance of the existing home, its streetscape and the planning controls that apply to the property.
Our work includes heritage-listed homes, properties within Heritage Conservation Areas, rear and upper-storey additions, major renovations and contemporary additions behind retained original fabric.
The aim is not to reproduce the past. New work can be contemporary where appropriate, provided it respects the scale, character and significant features of the original home.
Learn More About Our Design Process →
Why Early Investigation Matters
Heritage status, council controls, site constraints and documentation requirements should be understood before the design progresses too far.
We review these issues early and, where specialist heritage advice is required, coordinate with a qualified heritage consultant. This helps establish the appropriate design direction, approval pathway and Statement of Heritage Impact requirements before unnecessary redesign occurs.
Read Our Heritage Extension Guide →
Heritage Experience
With more than 30 years of residential design experience, our heritage work includes projects across Sydney involving alterations, additions and substantial renovations to established homes.
Renovate, Extend or Knock Down and Rebuild? →
Heritage Site Review
Review of heritage status, streetscape context, council controls, site constraints and existing building fabric.
Heritage Extensions & Renovations
Rear additions, upper-storey additions, internal alterations and contemporary work designed around the significance and character of the existing home.
Architectural Drafting & Documentation
Floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and other architectural drawings prepared for council assessment and approval.
DA & Heritage Documentation
Preparation and coordination of DA documentation, NSW Planning Portal lodgement and supporting heritage information required for the application.
Existing Home & Site Review
Consideration of structure, levels, access, setbacks and other site constraints before design progresses.
Heritage Consultant Coordination
Coordination with heritage consultants and other required specialists, including engineers, surveyors and BASIX assessors.
Architectural Drafting & Approvals
Concept design, architectural drafting and documentation for DA, CDC and Construction Certificate approvals, with consultant coordination where required.
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.