Victorian terrace reimagined for graceful ageing
A Melbourne architecture studio has redesigned an 1890s terrace house to help its elderly owners stay in their home as they age. The project combines heritage preservation with modern accessibility.
The house that grew with its owners
The two-story terrace, called Eleanor, occupies a corner block in Albert Park. The owners, now in their 80s, bought the property 26 years ago but found its original structure hard to use. Instead of moving, they decided to modify the home to suit their needs.
Topology Studio director Darren Kaye compared the renovation to altering an old suit—keeping what still fit while making necessary changes. He explained that installing a lift became the key to the project. This addition required reorganizing the interior to improve movement and support independent living.
Heritage rules blocked any exterior changes, so the studio worked within the existing boundaries. The facade was repaired, while the ground floor underwent a complete transformation. A central hallway that once divided the house like a train carriage was moved to the northern side, creating a clearer path through the home.
Preserving history, adding function
The original timber staircase was adjusted to fit the new lift, with the handrail kept and attached to taller balusters. The studio focused on sustainability, reusing materials to cut waste and expenses. Kaye described their approach as one that values retention, repair, and upgrades.
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Energy improvements included double-glazed windows and added insulation in floors and ceilings. The interior design reflects the home’s Victorian origins, using blackbutt timber for flooring, doors, and built-in features. Upstairs, a red marble vanity in the central bathroom matches the iron lattice balcony outside, linking the renovation to the building’s past.
Accessibility improvements go beyond the lift. A timber deck with steps and a handrail leads to a sunken garden at street level. Future plans include adding a ramp for even easier access. The changes have restored the owners’ confidence and freedom, letting them remain in the home they value.
This project shows how older homes can be updated without losing their original charm. Kaye said the most satisfying part was blending modern requirements with a century-old structure. The result feels natural, as if the house was always designed this way.
For the owners, the renovation ensures they can continue living in the home they’ve loved for decades.
Their decision to adapt rather than leave has given them a renewed connection to their home.
