COOL AND CLEVER

With more hurdles to overcome than the famous Sandown horse race, this project articulated every single one

- WORDS CARROL BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY JACK LOVEL

This reimagined heritage home embraces modern family living. It's contemporary, with generous living spaces and room for a growing family.

When the homeowners first purchased this modest fixer-upper, they knew it needed work — and lots of it. But they also knew with the right design team onboard, they could unlock its potential and help them to build the home of their dreams.

The heritage abode is part of the Claremont Avenue heritage precinct. It was in a poor state of neglect. The walls were stained with cigarette smoke and mould was ever present. Andy Dal Pozzo, architect and director of Pepper & Well, says the only toilet was outside at the back of the block. “This meant there were many cold winter nights where one had to make the trek down the backyard,” he says.

Homeowners Nick and Ellie envisioned a family home for their two dogs, Wally and Daisy, while kids were also part of the picture in the future. In fact, daughter Mila arrived just weeks before the project was finalised.