From Old to Renewed: A Story of Restoring a Federation Residence

From Old to Renewed: A Story of Restoring a Federation Residence

Blog Article

It all began with a walk. For months, my partner and I had spent our weekends wandering through the leafy streets of Sydney’s Inner West, admiring the Federation era houses. We were drawn to their history and permanence, qualities newer buildings seemed to lack. We weren’t just looking for a house; we were looking for a home with a story. We found it on a quiet street in Haberfield, a tired looking residence that had clearly seen better days. Its paint was peeling, the garden was overgrown, and a clumsy extension jutted out from the back. But beneath the neglect, the home’s original character was still visible. We saw the beautiful leadlight panels in the front door and the graceful proportions of the front rooms. We knew this was the one. Taking on a project of this scale was daunting, but the thought of bringing this property back to life was a powerful motivator.

The Initial Vision and Challenge

The house was a time capsule. The front four rooms, though dark, retained most of their original features: high ceilings with ornate plasterwork, original fireplaces, and tall, double hung windows. The main hallway, with its original archway still in place, led to a jarring transition. The rear of the house was a poorly constructed 1970s addition housing a small kitchen and bathroom. With its low ceilings and small windows, it felt completely detached from the grace of the original structure. Our challenge was twofold: first, to carefully restore the Federation part of the home, and second, to replace the old extension with a new space that would suit modern family life, all while making the two parts feel like a single, cohesive home.

Assembling the Right Expertise

We knew immediately we couldn't do this alone. We needed guidance from professionals who understood the complexities of working with century old buildings. Our search for a firm that specialised in this kind of work led us to several candidates. We made sure to find the best heritage architects Sydney has to offer, as they appreciate the nuances of these properties. We chose a team that listened to our ideas and showed a genuine passion for preservation. They understood we didn't want to create a museum; we wanted a functional family home that celebrated its past. They proposed a plan that felt right: a meticulous restoration of the front section and a complete demolition and rebuild of the rear.

The Design Philosophy: Repair, Don't Replace

The design phase was a deeply involved process. For the original section, the philosophy was one of gentle intervention. The goal was to repair, not replace, wherever possible. This meant removing old paint to reveal ceiling rose details, finding a craftsman to repair the cracked leadlight windows, and sourcing a plasterer who knew traditional materials. We decided to reinstate the fireplaces, which had been boarded up for decades, making them features of the bedrooms once again. This focus on restoration ensured the unique qualities of the original house were preserved.

Bridging Old and New

We spoke at length about the transition from the old part of the house to the new. The architects designed a clear link, using a change in floor level and a glass doorway to signify the shift from the restored Federation hallway into the modern extension. This created a respectful separation, allowing both the old and new architecture to have their own identity without clashing. The link acts as a threshold, a moment of passage between the historical and the contemporary. This solution was key to making the home feel whole.

The Restoration Process in Detail

The restoration work was a slow, painstaking craft. We were fortunate to find tradespeople who took immense care and shared our commitment to quality. These artisans were essential, as their skills were needed to bring the delicate features of the home back to life. The process required patience and a deep appreciation for the time honoured techniques used to build the house over a century ago.

Meticulous Exterior Craftsmanship

The bricklayer we hired was a specialist in tuck pointing, a technique using two different mortars to create fine, sharp brick lines. He brought the tired, dull brickwork back to life. Carpenters worked to repair the timber fretwork on the verandah and restore the sash windows so they moved smoothly again. We even managed to salvage the original tessellated tiles from the front path, which were carefully lifted, cleaned, and re laid on a new concrete slab.

Bringing the Interior Back to Life

Inside, the focus was just as intense. The damaged plasterwork on the ceilings and cornices was carefully repaired by a specialist who understood how to work with lime based plaster. Each small victory felt monumental, as if we were slowly erasing decades of neglect and letting the house breathe again. These restored details give the front of the house its unique atmosphere.

Client Testimonial

Mia B:

Michael helped us on our first renovation project, providing us with much needed guidance to create a home for our young family. We relied heavily on Michael's experience and he ensured we remained focused on creating a space that would not only be beautiful, but also functional, to suit the way we lived. This was an extensive renovation project, with many of the spaces completely redesigned Michael was able to keep within budget and worked well with our builder to bring the project in on time. My husband and I were looking for an architect specialising in classic architecture with experience in residential design. There were many details in the custom cabinetry, woodwork and stonework that gave the house much needed character and charm. Michael and his team were always willing to help us if we ever encountered a problem, and even many years down the track when we came to sell the property. A positive experience from start to finish.

Transformation at the Rear: A Modern Living Space

While the front was about restoration, the rear was about transformation. The old extension was demolished, and a new, open structure began to rise. The contemporary design featured clean lines, a high, sloping ceiling, and a large expanse of glass facing the garden. A polished concrete floor was chosen for its durability and modern feel, a clear contrast to the original timber. This new space housed our kitchen, a dining area, and a family room. The kitchen was designed as the hub of the home, with a large island bench. Sliding doors opened the entire space to a new timber deck, finally creating the indoor outdoor connection the house had always lacked.

Living in the finished house is a joy. Mornings are spent in the light filled kitchen, doors open to the garden. In the evenings, we often retreat to the front rooms, where high ceilings and restored fireplaces create a cosy atmosphere. The journey was long, but we have no regrets. We took a piece of Sydney’s history that was fading and gave it a new chapter. It is a home that respects its origins while embracing contemporary life, and we have added our own story to its long history.

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