Real reno: single fronted heritage home’s two-storey transformation

Approached by her fiancé’s parents to renovate their home, Trish Gabriel took on her biggest project to date, changing — or improving — every single element of the Albert Park property in Melbourne.

“This was a full structural renovation,” explains Trish. “Apart from the front facade and part of the existing roof — which due to the heritage listing were retained with cosmetic works — all internal and external material and structural elements are new.”

With an improved floor plan, the 1930s single-fronted Victorian dockworker’s home went from a two-bedroom, one-bathroom single-storey house, to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom double-story property. Blending Victorian architecture with modern features, the residence is open plan, maximising natural light through skylights and large windows.

“The rooms and the hallway at the front of the house have this Victorian feel with large cornices, decorative arches, ceiling roses, inviting architraves and skirting that frame each of the doors,” says Trish. “However, as you step down into the main space, all features become modern with shadow line cornices, a custom designed staircase made from powder coated metal and European oak and square set/plaster reveal skylight windows.”

With the renovation costing approximately $420,000, a large part of the budget went towards the new open plan living space and the second storey, additions Trish is very glad were included. “The biggest change has to be the second storey, which incorporates the master bedroom with integrated joinery, ensuite (with skylight window above the shower) and a large balcony with city glimpses.”

Being involved in all stages of the renovation, from initial design concepts to the selection of fittings, fixtures and joinery, Trish took just over two years to complete the project, with actual construction lasting 11 months. With the property having been bought for $930,000 in 2012, it is now on the market with an estimated selling price of $1.65 million.

Working in the design industry for close to 10 years, this project marks Trish’s first renovation under her own business, design by t, where she aims to create beautiful homes with minimal impact on the environment.

Photography by Axiom Photography