After successfully navigating our way through planning and heritage obstacles, construction on the much anticipated Clifton Street Residence is now underway. Over the past months, we have shown glimpses of our design processes for the renovation of the Victorian worker’s cottage high on top of Richmond Hill. Over many years, the existing building had undergone many unfortunate renovations, leaving very little of the original detailing intact. The new renovation will see the cottage stripped back to its shell, and rebuilt in a way that is sympathetic to its Victorian origin. The four rooms in the cottage will be turned into bedrooms for the client’s adult children when they visit.
The new extension will house the main living rooms and master bedroom areas. The ground floor living area is positioned at the rear of the building. The kitchen and dining area flow through to a lowered area which contains the living room and outdoor terrace, complete with a built-in wraparound seat reminiscent of a 1970’s conversation pit. Due to the natural slope of the site, the rear terrace is suspended high enough from the footpath to maintain privacy, while still being able to see views of the city skyline. For the external façade, a handmade brick sourced from Spain which was chosen for its particular size, colour, and texture. We will bring you photos of the progress on-site over the next few months as construction progresses.