Design Overview
A substantial rear extension to a heritage-listed 1912 Federation Arts and Crafts home in Epping, adding more than 400m² of living space. The design needed to respect the original architecture and established garden setting while addressing heritage planning controls and building height restrictions.
DA & CC Approval - City of Parramatta Council
More About This Project
The Brief
Heritage Home Extension & Renovation in Epping
Blairgowrie House involved a substantial extension and renovation of a heritage-listed Federation Arts & Crafts residence built in 1912, located on an approximately one-acre property in Epping, Sydney.
The owners wanted to significantly increase the size of the home, with more generous family living areas, additional accommodation and improved entertaining spaces.
The main challenge was designing an extension of more than 400 m² without losing the original character that made the home special.
Rather than introducing a contrasting modern addition, the owners wanted the new work to look and feel like a natural part of the original residence.
The Design Response
Extending a Heritage Home Without Losing Its Original Character
We designed a substantial rear extension that followed the Federation Arts & Crafts style of the original home.
Careful attention was given to the roof pitches, proportions, external materials, windows and architectural detailing so the new and existing sections would sit comfortably together.
The aim was to create a much larger home without making the extension look like an obvious addition.
Creating Modern Family Living Within a Traditional Home
The size of the property allowed us to extend towards the rear while retaining the original residence and its established garden setting.
We incorporated generous family living and entertaining areas, a traditional-style kitchen and detailed interiors, with improved connections to the surrounding gardens.
The challenge was to provide the space and comfort expected in a modern family home while keeping the architectural character consistent throughout.
Working Through the Heritage Design Requirements
Given the home's heritage listing, the design needed to satisfy the relevant heritage requirements without compromising the owners' brief.
We worked through more than two years of design development, refining the extension's layout, appearance and detailing before progressing through the Council approval process.
This involved balancing the owners' requirements with the need to preserve the architectural character and heritage significance of the original residence.
Project Outcome
DA & CC Approval for Heritage Home Extension in Epping – City of Parramatta Council
Following more than two years of design development, we successfully obtained Development Application approval through the City of Parramatta Council within six months of lodgement. Construction Certificate approval followed, allowing the project to proceed to construction.
The completed extension added more than 400 m² of living space while retaining the distinctive Federation Arts & Crafts character of the original 1912 residence.
Blairgowrie House demonstrates how a substantial heritage extension can provide the space needed for modern family living without losing the character of the original home.
Related Projects
Strathfield House - major heritage extension
Salt Street House - heritage renovation and rear extension
Creewood House - award-winning heritage extension
Creewood III House - recently approved heritage development application
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