The renovation of a Victorian terrace house, 'Row’s End' by Retallack Thompson, showcases a unique blend of restoration and innovation. The project, led by practice director Jemima Retallack, was driven by the clients' desire to reconnect with their family home and prepare for retirement. The brief was extensive, addressing structural issues, stormwater management, and the impact of neighboring trees. The challenge was to maintain the house's original charm while making it suitable for modern living, all while adhering to heritage conservation restrictions.
One of the key design decisions was the use of a spiral steel staircase, a rare feature in the area. The architects, Retallack Thompson, proposed a 'like for like' replacement of the existing timber structure with galvanised steel, preserving the historic deck. This choice of material, a bright and reflective steel, creates a striking contrast with the heritage brown brick of the house, clearly defining the old and new. The material palette extends to the interiors, where new concrete floors, wax-finished plaster walls, and thin galvanised steel set windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The renovation also involved restoring the heritage features at the front of the house. Original timber floors were brought back to life, damaged porcelain tiles were replaced with bluestone cobblestone, and the red-brick masonry was carefully maintained. This attention to detail ensures the house retains its historical character while incorporating modern elements.
Jemima Retallack describes the project as a 'subtly radical' approach to heritage housing, demonstrating that renewal and conservation can coexist. The renovation successfully balances the clients' desire for a modern, functional home with the preservation of the house's historical significance, offering a compelling example of how to transform and preserve heritage buildings.
