New House on a Subdivided Heritage Site in Newport, Melbourne

Unlocking hidden value on a compact, heritage site

Location: Newport, VIC
Project type: Backyard subdivision / new home

On a generous corner site in Newport, the clients saw an opportunity to rethink how their property could support the next stage of their lives. The plan was to build a new home in the backyard, then sell the original dwelling once construction was complete.

The challenge was complexity. The site was compact, subject to a heritage overlay, and required careful navigation of planning controls. The clients were also conscious of not overcapitalising: they wanted a home they loved, but one that made financial sense.

The architectural response focused on precision rather than size. The new home was carefully planned to capture northern light, city glimpses and treetop views to the neighbouring park, while fitting comfortably within the constraints of the subdivision.

To respect the surrounding Edwardian streetscape, the second storey was tucked under the roofline so the overall height matched neighbouring homes. Internally, the layout creates a flexible three-bedroom home that feels light-filled and connected to the outdoors despite the compact footprint.

The result is a home that feels effortless to live in, sits comfortably within its heritage context, and unlocks significant value from the site - creating new opportunities for the owners.

Takeaway:
Good design can help unlock hidden value in your home and site, opening the door to new ways of living.