pandolfini architects transforms heritage building into apartments with minimal interventions

pandolfini architects restores a 150-year-old, listed building in fitzroy, melbourne, with careful craftsmanship and respect to the original structure, prioritizing natural light over total floor area. the 1860s structure had been unoccupied for several years and partially demolished, displaying evidence of its former uses as a residence, hotel, coppersmith and warehouse. the new, two-story addition of two apartments respects the past and embraces the future through preserving and exposing the rich history of the original building, rather than stripping it back and providing all new finishes.

front facade kept in original condition
all photos by rory gardiner

the architects, in collaboration with construction company duo built, have left the weathered façade of the original building untouched, retaining the rich patina accumulated over the last 150 years, and manufacturing new timber windows and doors to match the original profiles. internally, victorian era features have been reinstated with a clear delineation created between old and new by the clean, minimal lines of the new joinery which seems to float in the space. timber floors have been removed and original concrete slabs polished, exposing old nails and tools which were thrown into the concrete mix while a double height void has been created in the middle of the site, separating the original building from the new two -tory addition. the new void creates a clear delineation between old and new, and offers plenty of natural light and ventilation.

the rich patina accumulated over the last 150 years has been left untouched

external walls have been left exposed, revealing the original bluestone footings, various layers of brickwork and a more recent history of graffiti, while spanish mosaic tiles clad the facade of the new addition, referencing the flaking paint and cracked render on the front façade and reflecting light into the double height void. a two-story glass bridge spans the courtyard and provides internal access between the original and new sections of building. the living area of the ground floor apartment is located at the rear of the property, with new windows and doors opening onto the previously neglected laneway, which has been cleaned up as part of the building works for all adjacent properties to use. in restoring the original building, retaining the rich patina which has accumulated over the last 150 years was valued over recreating the old surfaces.

glass link between the old and new buildings

the spanish mosaic tiles used to clad the new addition reference the flaking paint on the facade of the original building

behind the facade lies a simple and refined interior

victorian era features have been reinstated with a clear delineation created between old and new

inside the glass link, connecting old and new

ground floor kitchen and living

ground floor living area opens onto rear lane

spiral staircase leading to the roof terrace

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom