PORTFOLIO

Brighton Residence

  • Heritage Renovation & Extension
  • Brighton
  • 2019

When the owners of the Brighton Residence approached us, the building – originally constructed in 1901 – was in severe disrepair. It suffered from rising damp, wet rot, leaking roofs, scalding brickwork, and sunken footings. Restoring this home required delicate care from us to preserve its authentic character while addressing significant internal and external damage.

The house had undergone multiple renovations over the years, complicating the restoration process. We quickly stripped all the walls back to raw brickwork and re-plastered them. We replaced all ceilings, as well as rebuilt and excavated the subfloor. The full-scale refurbishment included reintroducing original features such as ornamental cornices, Victorian-style skirting boards, architraves, and original ceiling roses.

Externally, we installed new roofing with fresh terracotta tiles, reinvigorated the brickwork, and re-framed the roof. Severe wet rot had damaged all external timber, so we rebuilt and replaced the fretwork, rafter tails and eaves. The front porch, which had sunken, was rebuilt, and all windows were replaced and treated for rot.
Inside, new American Oak flooring was laid throughout, and brand-new carpet was installed in the bedrooms. The kitchen was revived with modern appliances, ensuring the home met contemporary standards of luxury and functionality.

Our goal was to protect the original design by honouring the period-era aesthetic, while making the home fully functional for modern living. The result is a testament to Secon Constructions’ expertise. We successfully resurrected this home, restoring its former glory and preserving its unique character for future generations.

"I want to feel really good when I walk in the front door"

I think it's really important to have the sense that you really love your home. I want to feel really good when I walk in the front door. It's nice to be able to have events here and that you're creating memories in the house.
Clients

Ready to renovate or build new?

We are an award-winning specialist in architectural heritage renovations and new custom builds in Melbourne’s prestigious inner-south and bayside suburbs.
For anyone considering putting their own personal touches on a piece of local architectural history, we’ve drawn from years of industry experience to compile a conclusive guide to renovating a heritage home.