Long-time Newport locals, our clients had raised their family here and wanted to remain part of their community as they approached retirement. The house, however, was dark, cold, and disconnected from its backyard. The kitchen and bathroom were overdue for renewal, and the internal layout made daily life unnecessarily complicated.

They engaged us to help plan a modest yet transformative renovation—one that would improve comfort, accessibility, and connection to the garden, while ensuring all works aligned with Hobsons Bay City Council’s heritage overlay requirements.

Our design focused on restoring dignity and practicality to a small home with a big heart. A carefully proportioned rear extension realigns the home’s circulation, creating a natural flow from front to back and framing views toward a future deck and home workshop planned for Stage Two of their masterplan.

Inside, natural light and insulation upgrades replace draughts and shadows with year-round comfort. The kitchen and bathroom are reconfigured for modern living—warm timber tones, tactile materials, and clean-lined joinery balancing contemporary amenity with heritage restraint.

Externally, the work respects the precinct’s heritage guidelines: the single-storey scale, smooth rendered brickwork, and gabled roofline all remain faithful to the area’s Interwar streetscape. The design honours the original rhythm of the estate while ensuring the home can age gracefully with its owners.

2 Bedrooms
Renovation and Small Extension
Under Construction – Completion 2026

Builder: Function Homes

Newport, Melbourne
Bunurong Land
Hobsons Bay City Council