Westgarth Home Art deco Restoration & Modern Living

Situated on a quiet residential street in Northcote, the Westgarth House began as a modest brick dwelling defined by its Art Deco character. While the original home possessed charm in its curved motifs and detailed masonry fabric, it no longer supported the spatial and functional needs of a growing family. The brief called for a considered transformation, one that would provide generous living and entertaining spaces whilst honouring the spirit of the existing house.

 The design introduces both a ground floor and second storey extension, carefully integrated to preserve three of the original front rooms. These spaces were restored with minimal intervention, maintaining their proportions and decorative detailing as a respectful nod to the home’s stylistic origins. Retaining this portion of the dwelling was essential in preserving the home’s presence within the streetscape and establishing a layered arrival sequence that reveals the contemporary intervention beyond.

 Creating a dialogue between past and present also became central to the architectural response. This conversation is expressed spatially through the home’s central hallway, where an elongated curved ceiling draws visitors from the restored front rooms toward the new living areas beyond. This architectural gesture subtly references the softness and geometry of the home’s Art Deco beginnings, whilst simultaneously acting as a connective transition between the traditional and contemporary forms.

 The language of curvature is further explored within the double-height stair atrium. Bathed in natural light, this vertical volume introduces scale and sculptural presence to the heart of the home. The stair becomes both circulation and an architectural moment, framing elevated views across the rooftops of Northcote, whilst also connecting the dwelling to its contextual surrounds. These gestures ensure continuity in expression, allowing historical references to be interpreted through a contemporary lens rather than replicated.

 Materiality plays a defining role in grounding the project. During construction, the original brickwork was carefully salvaged and repurposed within the rear extension. Rather than concealing its age, the texture and patina of the reclaimed brick has been celebrated, embedding memory within the new architectural fabric. This sustainable reuse not only reduces waste but reinforces a tangible connection between old and new.

Above, bronze zinc standing seam panels introduce a refined contrast to the masonry base. The upper form also closely follows the pitch of the original roofline, ensuring the addition sits comfortably within the established silhouette of the street. This consideration of scale allows the extension to feel deliberate yet respectful.