Striking the balance between old-world charm and modern-day living in Melbourne.
Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s most iconic heritage architecture — from Victorian terraces in Carlton to Edwardian homes in Camberwell. But while these character-filled properties are rich in history and charm, they often lack space, light, and the functional flow that modern families expect.
That’s where a thoughtfully designed modern extension comes in.
At RoomFour, we specialise in helping homeowners seamlessly blend the old with the new — preserving the architectural integrity of heritage homes while introducing light-filled, high-performance contemporary extensions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to approach a heritage renovation in Melbourne, what to consider, and how to get it right from both a design and compliance perspective.
1. Understand the Heritage Overlay (and What It Means)
In Melbourne, many heritage homes fall under a Heritage Overlay, a planning control that protects a building or precinct’s architectural or historical significance. This doesn’t mean you can’t renovate — but it does mean you’ll need council approval and that certain elements (like the façade or roofline) may need to be preserved or restored in a specific way.
Before starting your project:
- Check your property’s planning zone and overlay status via your local council.
- Engage a designer or builder experienced in heritage projects — they’ll know how to navigate regulations and liaise with heritage consultants if needed.
- Budget for planning approval timeframes, as these can be longer than standard applications.
2. Respect the Old — but Don’t Mimic It
One of the most effective design strategies is to clearly differentiate the original heritage home from the new extension. Rather than replicating historical features, a modern extension can provide a striking contrast that still complements the existing structure—allowing both the old and the new to stand out in their own unique way..
Key design principles for modern extensions:
- Use clean lines, glass, steel, or timber to create a visual contrast.
- Set the extension back from the original house so it doesn’t dominate the streetscape.
- Maintain the rhythm and scale of the existing home while improving function.
This approach is celebrated by many Melbourne councils and the Victorian planning framework, which favour “honest” additions that respect the past without resorting to pastiche.
3. Prioritise Functionality and Light
Many heritage homes were built in an era of compartmentalised rooms and limited natural light. A modern extension allows you to introduce:
- Open-plan living areas perfect for family life and entertaining
- North-facing windows and skylights to maximise passive solar gain
- Indoor-outdoor connections via large sliding doors or courtyards
When done well, a contemporary extension becomes the “engine room” of the home — transforming how your family lives day-to-day while preserving the quiet charm of the original rooms.
4. Choose the Right Builder for a Heritage-Modern Blend
Not all builders are created equal — especially when it comes to heritage renovations. You need a team who understands not only modern construction methods, but also traditional building techniques, materials, and restoration best practices.
At RoomFour, we:
- Work with local heritage consultants and planners to smooth out the approval process
- Offer complete project management — from permits and design through to build
- Have extensive experience working with Passive House principles to deliver healthy, high-performance homes (even in older structures)
- Provide detailed, transparent quoting and milestone tracking via our client portal
5. Think About Future-Proofing
A modern extension is the perfect opportunity to future-proof your home:
- Consider energy efficiency, insulation upgrades, and double-glazing
- Integrate smart home technology from the ground up
- Upgrade plumbing, electricals, and foundations where necessary to support future improvements
Combining character and comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing performance — it means being intentional about your design choices and construction strategy.
Inspiration: Contemporary Extensions in Melbourne
Some of the most iconic renovations in Melbourne feature bold, contemporary extensions that celebrate contrast. Think:
- A glass-and-steel pavilion behind a Victorian terrace
- A minimalist timber-clad box extension opens to a north-facing garden
- A split-level addition with high ceilings, creating space and light in an otherwise narrow inner-city block
This design style enhances liveability and adds long-term value — both emotionally and financially.
Final Thoughts
Renovating a heritage house with a modern extension is one of the most rewarding types of home transformations. When done well, it delivers the best of both worlds: timeless beauty and contemporary comfort.
If you’re considering a heritage renovation in Melbourne, let’s talk. RoomFour can help you navigate planning, design, and construction — with a focus on transparency, craftsmanship, and homes that truly reflect how you want to live.
Want to know what’s possible on your block? Contact RoomFour for a personalised consultation and discover how we bring history and innovation together under one roof.
