Albert Park Renovation: A Masterful Home Makeover

Improved family living with a heritage home renovation and extension

In the peaceful, leafy suburb of Melbourne’s Albert Park, our team completed a heritage home renovation and custom first floor extension in Bridport Street. Working closely with the owners, we introduced more natural light, plenty of open-plan living space and numerous energy-efficient solutions while retaining the home’s Victorian splendour. With meticulous attention to detail, our team creatively combined practicality, comfort and luxurious innovation, customised to meet the lifestyle demands of a large, close-knit family. The end result of this Albert Park renovation is nothing short of breathtaking, and the owners couldn’t be happier!

  • SUBURB Albert Park
  • CITY Melbourne
  • BUILD TYPE Renovation and Extension
  • BUILD TIME 70 weeks
  • ORIGINAL SIZE OF HOME 218 sqm
  • NEW SIZE OF HOME 320 sqm
  • AWARD ENTRANT 2025 HIA Victorian Housing Awards – Renovation / Addition Project Over $2 million
  • AWARD ENTRANT 2025 Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards – Best Renovation / Addition Over $1 million

THE HOMEOWNERS’ VISION & GOALS

The owners dreamed of living in a warm, welcoming space where their large family could connect and flourish in a nurturing environment. The home also needed to provide comfort and accessibility for an ageing family member. Breathing new life into the property’s dated walls and rooms without compromising the Victorian character was also a priority. Their vision included creating five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, and an open-plan living area filled with natural light, designed for easy connection at the heart of the home. Solar integration and other energy-efficient features were required to ensure the home upgrade met modern sustainability standards. This heritage home renovation wasn’t only about updating a tired older home—blending old-world charm with contemporary, family-friendly living to create a space that felt like home for each generation was equally as important.

AN INNOVATIVE DELIVERY

This Victorian-style Melbourne home now combines timeless appeal with everyday comfort. Spacemaker demolished the outdated two storey rear section of the house, making way for a spacious new extension. This addition houses a state-of-the-art open-plan kitchen, a dining and living area that flows into an inviting alfresco and a backyard pool area. The second storey extension has three spacious bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, ideal for meeting the changing needs of family members and guests. A brand-new garage at the rear of the property includes a self-contained studio above. The studio apartment features a bedroom, en-suite bathroom, sitting area and bar, perfect for multi-generational living or private accommodation. These additions create a generous, flexible and beautifully executed home that seamlessly accommodates the demands of modern life while paying homage to the home’s history and architecture.

Mainstream to masterpiece: A respectful makeover

An outstanding feature of this Albert Park home remodel was Spacemaker’s careful retention and reimagining of the original front rooms. These were treated with sensitivity and respect to preserve their historical value. On the ground floor, Spacemaker meticulously restored the front lounge room. The original detailing and period features were brought back to original condition, highlighting the craftsmanship that gives heritage homes in Melbourne their everlasting personality. The front room is now filled with character, instantly drawing you in. The former dining room was repurposed and it is now a practical, discreet laundry, pantry and powder room zone. This clever reconfiguration adds conveniences that are used daily without compromising the home’s original footprint. 

Spacemaker preserved and refreshed the original main bedroom at the front of the house, while transforming the front room into a walk-in robe and ensuite bathroom. These changes enhance livability without erasing the home’s original features. The result is a floor plan that respects the property’s history, with hints of the past skillfully retained in each room and living space.

Enhancements for comfort and sustainability

All flooring in the retained section of the Albert Park extension and renovation project was carefully removed, along with the original subfloor that had aged significantly. Spacemaker completely rebuilt the subfloor to meet current building standards, ensuring the home’s structural integrity and long-term durability. The European Oak floorboards we laid over this base inject warmth, texture and elegance into each room. This upgrade not only refreshed the home’s appearance but also improved its acoustics and overall comfort. At the rear of the property, the newly built garage provides secure off-street parking and additional storage space. A 5000-litre rainwater tank was installed beneath the garage slab, an efficient use of space that also helps fulfil the homeowners’ commitment to sustainable, low-impact living.

Partnering with experts to achieve a dream home

To complete this stunning build, we collaborated with our network of leading industry experts, including Mitre 10, Reece, The Door Store and Precision. The homeowners installed a luxury swimming pool from Falcon Pools, creating a relaxing outdoor zone for family gatherings or quiet afternoons in the sun. 

Upgrade your space with Spacemaker, award-winning experts in custom homes

With over 50 years of experience and multiple accolades, including awards from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Victoria (MBAV), Spacemaker continues to upgrade and build custom new homes to perfection. We specialise in bespoke renovations and extensions and have substantial experience upgrading heritage homes.

Let’s discuss your unique vision and the lifestyle you’re looking for. With our expertise in Melbourne, we’ll help you create the ultimate home of your dreams. Contact us on 03 8873 7800 or enquire online to speak with a custom home design consultant today.

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