Careful Reinstating – Prahran Residence by Glenvill Homes

Through the process of reinstating its grandeur and heritage charm, Prahran Residence sees a modern builder enter the realm of restoration and expansion. Glenvill Homes re-sculpts the remains of an 19th-century gem through focusing on a refined elevation of quality and respect for the past.

Better acquainted with projects of a newer persuasion, Glenvill Homes turns a hand to the world of heritage restoration with Prahran Residence. Located in its namesake suburb, the generous family home needed repairing and updating to match a contemporary liveability. Carrying forward the existing Victorian-era detailing into the future state of the home was key and facilitated combining the old and new elements into a state of welcomed harmony. Whilst the team is more accustomed to designing and building from a clean and empty site, the challenges of working with an existing home also came with rewards.

Carrying forward the existing Victorian-era detailing into the future state of the home was key and facilitated combining the old and new elements into a state of welcomed harmony.

Enabling the existing narrative of the home to carry forward into the new is what defines the beauty of older homes. The importance of reinstating these structures as reminders of the past forms the basis of an approach that combines an honouring of what was crafted before, with an appropriate weaving of a modern interpretation. Sitting grand in scale, the existing volumes within the home set a tone of opulence and perceived scale beyond usual contemporary residences. Whilst the formality of the existing planning has its limitations, by using these volumes to open the residence further into the surrounding landscape, the home is made to feel open and outwardly connected.

In continuing the legacy of the home, existing detailing carries into the new insertions. In emanating a similar feeling as a generous Parisian apartment, the residence is open at its core, directing views and pathways of movement beyond the traditional built edge of the home. Situated on a lush, established street to the south of Melbourne, gestures combine to reinforce a sense of connection to place. Although the detailing and ornateness remains, a mostly muted palette softens the transitions between old and new. Whilst also embedding a timelessness throughout, steel framed openings crispen the outer envelope.

In emanating a similar feeling as a generous Parisian apartment, the residence is open at its core, directing views and pathways of movement beyond the traditional built edge of the home.

Continuing the connection to its highly detailed roots, Prahran Residence ensures a long and continued relevance through the new works. Glenvill Homes has honed their focus on building design and construction, ensuring their understanding of the balance between a contemporary context and historical characteristics.