A Home with History, A Renovation with Heart
Preserving the Past, Designing for the Future
All our projects are more than just bricks, mortar, and floor plans — but some are conversations between past and present. This Subiaco renovation was one of those moments.
Our clients came to us with a home full of character and a simple yet deeply personal brief: preserve the charm, soul, and presence of their heritage property, while creating a space that supports modern family life.
This Subiaco project began with a question we know well: how do you preserve the charm, soul, and presence of a heritage home while creating spaces that feel intuitive for the way we live today?
Our clients loved the character of their home, but needed more room for family life — without losing the warmth and authenticity that made it special.
Our Approach
It’s a question we know well: how do you make room for the future without erasing the past?
We start every project by listening to the home. We look for the elements that carry its identity and keep them close. Then, with a light touch and clear intent, we design new spaces that feel connected rather than competing.
In this case, the original façade and front rooms were lovingly restored, anchoring the home in its historical streetscape. From there, a new light-filled addition unfolded at the rear — simple, warm, and open to the garden.
The Design
The new structure was crafted to feel as natural as possible. Textured white render, soft timber cladding, and generous glazing give the exterior a grounded elegance. Inside, the transitions are gentle: ceiling lines shift subtly, materials complement rather than overpower, and spaces flow with ease. The result is a home that feels unified in tone but rich in story.
Functionality was just as important as form — every decision was made to enhance daily life. The addition brings in natural light, improves flow between indoor and outdoor living, and offers space for the family to grow and breathe.
Why It Matters
Homes like this are the reason we do what we do. They’re timeless. They’re soulful. And they’re designed to support the quiet rhythms of everyday life. The success of this project wasn’t just in the look of the new addition, but in how seamlessly it sits alongside the home’s history, allowing old and new to live together in harmony. At Van Der Haus, we believe the best renovations don’t just add space — they add meaning. They respect the story a home already tells, while giving it the comfort, light, and function to support modern living.
Your Home, Your Story
If you have a heritage home — or a home with a story — and you’re ready to add the next chapter, we’d love to help. Whether you’re just starting to gather ideas or ready to begin designing, we’ll work with you to create spaces that feel like they’ve always belonged.
Warmly,
Michelle & The Van Der Haus Team
