Project: Golden Point House
Architecture: Porter Architects
Location: Golden Point, Victoria, Australia
Area: 380 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Derek Swalwell
Tucked into the vibrant inner-city suburb of Golden Point, Golden Point House by Porter Architects tells a story of evolution and balance. Surrounded by homes ranging from the 19th century to contemporary builds, this early 20th-century residence stands out with its heritage charm. Located on a busy, tree-lined street close to the city center, the house bridges the past and present with thoughtful design.
When the project began, the home’s heritage-listed status required care and respect. Much of the house remained untouched over its lifetime, including its original façade, timber details, and internal rooms. The only major change was a kitchen update in the 1980s. The architects embraced this history, preserving the front section of the house while creating a modern extension at the rear to meet the needs of a growing family.
Preserving the Charm of the Past
The front of the house, now dedicated to bedrooms and a kids’ area, remains a tribute to its early 20th-century origins. The architects carefully retained the intricate details and original materials, ensuring these spaces feel connected to the home’s history. By preserving the façade, the house continues to blend seamlessly into the streetscape, maintaining the character of the neighborhood.
This sensitivity to the past wasn’t just about meeting heritage requirements—it was about honoring the soul of the house. The retained details create a sense of continuity, anchoring the home in its historical context while allowing space for modern updates.
A Bright, Modern Rear Extension
While the front embraces tradition, the rear of the house transforms into a vibrant, contemporary space. The new pavilion introduces a north-lit living area, a double garage with rear-lane access, and a music studio. These additions, though modern, feel connected to the original structure through their material choices.
Bricks, timber cladding, and charcoal-stained accents echo the textures and tones of the heritage front, creating a subtle dialogue between old and new. The sawtooth roof, with its highlight windows, floods the living area with sunlight, making the space feel airy and inviting.
Importantly, the contemporary extension remains understated when viewed from the street. It’s visible enough to hint at something new but quiet enough to let the heritage façade take center stage.
A Design That Works for Today’s Life
The renovation doesn’t just preserve the home’s charm—it reimagines it for modern living. The seamless transition between the heritage front and the open, sunlit rear creates a home that feels cohesive yet dynamic.
The north-facing windows connect the new living area to the outdoors, inviting natural light and creating a warm, family-friendly space. Meanwhile, the inclusion of a music studio and garage reflects the practical needs of a busy family, proving that heritage homes can adapt beautifully to contemporary life.
Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Golden Point House by Porter Architects is more than a renovation—it’s a celebration of a home’s journey through time. By preserving the original charm and introducing thoughtful, functional modernity, the architects have created a space that feels both timeless and relevant.
This home doesn’t just tell a story of its past; it writes a new chapter, inviting its family to create memories that will carry it into the future. It’s a reminder that respecting heritage doesn’t mean standing still—it means evolving with care, creativity, and purpose.
