PERFECT HARMONY
Thinking outside the box , Urbane Projects married a charming heritage cottage in Subiaco with a contemporary addition , resulting in a sales record-setting family home .
Nestled in Subiaco , 1920s cottage Heatherbell was a treasure trove of unique charm even before its remarkable transformation . Retaining many period details , such as a tuckpointed Federation facade , timber gables , sash windows , corbelled chimney and a wraparound veranda , this home is a testament to its era .
Heatherbell , named by its original owners after their hometown of North Lanarkshire in Scotland , comprised three bedrooms , two bathrooms , a sleepout , kitchen and dining area , but required more space and modern amenities for a growing family .
Jill and Eddy Pope entrusted Urbane Projects with their dream to convert the cottage into a contemporary home while maintaining its historical integrity . Their wish list included a large open-plan living space , a three-car garage , a swimming pool and a master suite .
“ It was a lot to fit on a site alongside an existing heritage home ,” says Steve Gliosca , managing director of Urbane Projects . “ It was an exciting challenge that pushed the boundaries of imagination . We completed this home eight years ago , and its design is still as relevant as it was then . I ’ m proud we delivered on the owners ’ vision and saw the home smash Subiaco ’ s sales record – a fantastic result !”
The transformative design entailed extending the existing bedroom zone and opening up a new modern living and entertaining wing to the rear , which basks in northern sunlight and takes in a verdant garden view .
But first there was a hurdle to overcome – a location for the garage . “ Council requirements dictated the new extension and amenities could not be visible from the street , so the solution was to place the garage underground , which meant piling under the original 1920s home – a challenging task ,” says Steve .
Photographed by LP Visuals