The Avenue
Situated in one of Melbourne’s most historic precincts, this heritage home sits on a tree-lined boulevard renowned for its collection of late Victorian villas.
With many dating from the late 19th century, the homes in this neighbourhood retain their original verandahs, decorative detailing and generous garden setbacks. For the renovation of one such home, The Avenue, architecture firm Carr partnered with local builder Turn Group to modernise the house while preserving and elevating its distinctive heritage features. The result is a dwelling that sits comfortably within the streetscape while reflecting the family’s contemporary needs and bold aesthetic.
From the beginning, the design sought to maintain many of the home’s original features. These include the hand-painting ceiling in the formal living room, as well as the mouldings, archways and original timber flooring in the hallway. At the same time, the team opened up the interior, combining rooms to create larger, more free-flowing spaces that function more effectively for contemporary family life. Bold colour was added throughout, amping up the drama of the original details – most notably in the formal living room, now blanketed in a rich wine-plum hue. These strong contemporary tones lend the house a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
At the rear, the transition from old to new is more obvious. An open-plan living, kitchen and dining area is filled with natural light, thanks to full-height, steel-framed windows. Finished in a pale eucalyptus tone, the windows complement the green colour of the stone used in the living area and across the large kitchen island. Dramatically coloured stone appears elsewhere, too, including in the floating bathroom vanities. Together, all the stone elements throughout add a modern, sculptural quality, bringing the home squarely into the present.
The goal was to inject bold, contemporary character into the spaces. Rich tones of green, plum and red in individual rooms complement the neutral beige backdrop of the common areas. Through the introduction of colour and natural texture in the stone selections, each room takes on its own identity, making movement through the home feel like a delightful journey of discovery. The result is a place that reflects the owners’ bold design aesthetic while sitting within its carefully maintained historic frame.
Outside, The Avenue has also been enhanced with fresh landscaping and the addition of a heated swimming pool. Using solar power for the latter helps reduce the residence’s overall energy consumption. A new double garage and slate roof were also added, bringing durability and a refined aesthetic that complements the home’s charming character. Hydronic heating was installed throughout, providing an energy-efficient and sustainable approach to temperature control. Overall, the design prioritised environmentally conscious choices, bringing the house into the future with a reduced carbon footprint and ensuring it will last for years to come.
