PRESS

Set beside the iconic Clifton Hill Shot Tower, this traditional Victorian workers’ cottage was, to put it lightly, a renovator’s delight. Broken timber floors, cracked walls and persistent leaks could generously be described as “character,” but in reality, the home was in need of urgent care. understanding that early on allowed us to step in at exactly the right time.

From the outset, the brief was clear: prove that beautiful, considered design doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. That philosophy shaped every decision — both in design and in construction.

We stripped the house right back to its bare bones, demolishing the tired rear extension and carefully restoring the original structure. From there, we re-extended the home both up and out, creating new spaces that feel contemporary yet deeply connected to the home’s heritage origins.

The interiors strike a deliberate balance between warmth and restraint. The hero of the build is the walnut cabinetry that runs through the kitchen and bathrooms — rich, tactile, and timeless. This warmth is offset by a more industrial palette: concrete floors, exposed brickwork, black-framed windows, and tundra-grey natural stone. Each element was chosen not just for aesthetics, but for longevity and value.

One of the most distinctive features is the rooftop terrace — discreetly tucked within the heritage roofline. It’s a playful addition, offering a private retreat above the city and the perfect spot for a cheeky Sunday afternoon drink, without disrupting the home’s streetscape presence.

This project is a great example of what we aim to achieve at Y.Projects: thoughtful design, honest budgets, and construction-led decision making that respects both the building and the people who live in it. Being recognised by Grand Designs is an honour — but more importantly, it reinforces our belief that when design and construction work together from day one, the results speak for themselves.