Heritage Home Extensions in Sydney: Blairgowrie House, Epping
Updated: Oct 14
Extending a heritage home requires a careful balance between protecting its original character and providing the spaces needed for modern family living.
For some properties, a contemporary addition can provide a successful contrast to the original building.
For others, a more traditional approach that closely follows the existing architecture may be the better solution.
Our Blairgowrie House in Epping is an example of the second approach. Originally built in 1912, this Federation Arts & Crafts residence required a substantial rear extension while retaining its architectural character and established garden setting.
The completed project added more than 400 m² of living space and followed more than two years of design development before progressing through the City of Parramatta approval process.
Understanding the Original Heritage Home
Blairgowrie House occupies a substantial property in Epping, with an established garden setting that contributes to the character of the residence.
The original 1912 Federation Arts & Crafts home has distinctive architectural proportions, roof forms and traditional detailing. The owners wanted to retain those qualities while creating the additional accommodation and living areas required by their family.
The challenge was not simply to add floor area. The new work needed to relate convincingly to the original building and remain appropriate within its heritage setting.
The size of the property created an opportunity to extend at the rear, allowing the original residence to remain the defining element of the home.
Designing a Heritage Extension That Matches the Original Architecture
At Blairgowrie House, the design direction was to follow the architectural language of the existing Federation Arts & Crafts residence rather than introduce an obvious contemporary contrast.
This involved careful attention to:
Roof forms, pitches and overall proportions
External materials, finishes and architectural detailing
Window and door proportions and their relationship to the original building
The junction between the existing residence and the new extension
The appearance of the enlarged home within its established garden setting
The objective was not to add decorative elements in isolation. The extension needed to read as a coherent part of the house, with its scale, detailing and materials considered together.
The completed addition demonstrates that a heritage-sensitive extension can provide substantial new space without losing the qualities that make the original home distinctive.
Creating Spaces for Modern Family Living
Older homes were often planned around different lifestyles, with more separated rooms and a different relationship between internal living spaces and the garden.
Today, homeowners may want larger kitchens, more flexible family living areas, additional bathrooms, improved entertaining spaces and stronger connections to the outdoors.
Blairgowrie House provided an opportunity to introduce these functions through the rear extension while respecting the character of the original residence.
The completed home includes generous living and entertaining spaces, a traditional-style kitchen, detailed interiors and connections to the landscaped gardens.
Although the addition was substantial, the emphasis remained on creating one cohesive home rather than treating the original residence and extension as unrelated buildings.
Heritage Planning Controls and Parramatta Council Approval
Heritage home extensions must be designed around the planning controls that apply to the individual property. A heritage listing, a Heritage Conservation Area or other site controls may affect the work that can be undertaken.
For Blairgowrie House, the proposed extension needed to respond to the heritage requirements considered by the City of Parramatta, including the relationship between the new work and the original home.
Depending on the property and the proposed alterations, a heritage project may require specialist advice and supporting documents such as a Statement of Heritage Impact. Other reports and consultant input may also be required.
These matters should be investigated early. Establishing the relevant controls before the design is developed too far reduces the risk of pursuing an approach that later requires substantial redesign.
At Distinct Innovations, we prepare the building design and architectural drafting and coordinate suitably qualified heritage consultants and other specialists where their expertise is required.
More Than Two Years of Design Development
Blairgowrie House involved more than two years of design development, collaboration and coordination before its final approval pathway was completed.
A substantial heritage extension requires detailed consideration of the existing building, the owners' brief, architectural consistency and the practical integration of old and new spaces.
Following this extensive design-development period, the Development Application was approved within six months of lodgement. Construction Certificate approval followed, and the project progressed to completion.
The distinction between design-development time and council assessment time matters. Careful preparation before lodgement helped produce a proposal that responded to both the owners' requirements and the heritage setting.
Do Heritage Extensions Have to Match the Existing House?
Not always. The most appropriate approach depends on the heritage significance of the property, its planning controls, the visibility of the proposed work and the owners' brief.
Blairgowrie House illustrates a traditional approach, where the extension was designed to closely reflect the original architecture.
Our Salt Street House in Concord took a different direction. Its heritage street presentation was retained, while a contemporary rear extension created modern, light-filled living spaces behind the existing home.
Salt Street House received the Best Heritage award at the 2025 BDAA National Design Awards. The contrasting approaches demonstrate that heritage-sensitive design does not need to follow one architectural style.
The aim is to understand what gives the original property its significance, then develop an extension that respects those qualities while making the home more practical for contemporary living.
The Completed Blairgowrie House
The completed project combines a substantial renovation of the original residence with more than 400m² of additional living space.
The rear extension follows the Federation Arts & Crafts character of the original home, using carefully considered proportions, materials and detailing to create a cohesive result.
For Distinct Innovations, Blairgowrie House demonstrates the value of understanding the existing building, its site and heritage significance before deciding how the new work should be designed.
The Blairgowrie House project gallery provides photographs of the completed residence, interiors and established gardens.
What Should You Consider Before Extending a Heritage Home?
Before committing to a design, homeowners should understand the issues that may influence what can be approved and built.
Heritage significance: Which features of the house or site are important to retain?
Planning controls: What restrictions apply to alterations, additions, demolition, height and setbacks?
Architectural approach: Should the new work follow the original style or introduce a contemporary element?
Existing structure: What is the condition of the building, and what strengthening or repair may be required?
Site conditions: How do trees, access, privacy, overshadowing and neighbouring properties affect the proposal?
Approval documentation: Which plans, heritage assessments and consultant reports are required?
Our heritage home extensions and renovations page explains the design and approval services we provide for heritage-listed properties and homes in conservation areas.
You can also explore our residential design experience across Northern Sydney and North Shore, including projects in Epping and Beecroft, or read more about our broader extensions and renovations services.
Planning a Heritage Home Extension in Sydney?
Distinct Innovations is an independent building design and architectural drafting studio based in Castle Hill, servicing Greater Sydney.
With more than 30 years of residential design experience, our work includes heritage renovations, major extensions, contemporary additions and homes within Heritage Conservation Areas.
Our services include concept design, architectural drafting, Development Application documentation, consultant coordination and Construction Certificate drawings.
The work is personally led by Luke Van Jour, an Accredited Building Designer with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA No. 6164).
We design homes and prepare plans and approvals. We do not undertake building construction.
If you are considering a heritage extension or major renovation, send us your project details through the enquiry form. We can then arrange an introductory phone, Zoom or studio meeting to discuss your requirements, our services and the next steps.
