Sustainable Workers Cottage Renovation: Preserving History & Maximising Sustainability in Melbourne's Inner West
An oldie but a goodie. In 2013 we were commissioned by clients to renovate a century-old worker's cottage in Yarraville. Hats off to our clients, who expressed a strong desire to preserve the essence of the original structure, leading to a meticulous dismantling of certain sections of the old house. Through this careful approach, they identified numerous opportunities to repurpose and incorporate existing materials. Notably, the original red brick paving from the backyard has found new life as both an internal feature wall and an external brick wall.
The entrance to their home now boasts locally quarried bluestone, which was previously utilised as the property's carriageway. It serves as a remarkable marker of their sustainable transformation. Additionally, the original red gum stumps take centre stage in the captivating green roof landscaping. When it came to the kitchen, a local company called Cantilever Interiors stepped in and crafted it using reconstituted stone by Consentino. Notably, this stone comprises 80% recycled content and features a low VOC finish, ensuring an eco-friendly and health-conscious space.
Our design strategy allowed for natural heating and cooling inside the house. The red brick wall, aside from adding to the overall visual appeal, serves as a thermal mass, regulating the temperature effectively. What sets this sustainable home apart is the integration of smart technology, which optimises the utilisation of solar energy and greatly reduces operational expenses. As for the outdoor space, we incorporated "water-wise" and native plants in the garden beds. To top it all off, we installed an insulating green roof, which not only enhances insulation but also creates extra outdoor space on the compact inner-city block.
This diligent approach to construction and design minimises energy waste, which is often associated with demolishing old structures and replacing them with shiny, modern buildings. Instead, it successfully preserves and celebrates the unique charm that accompanies a house from this era.
As featured in The Design Files and Hunting For George.