Blackburn Heritage Extension – Award-Winning Sustainable Family Home
Designed by Simone prior to joining reimagined habitat
Winner – Sustainability Award 2019
Set amongst lush gardens and established fruit trees that have matured lovingly over decades, this beautifully upgraded Blackburn home brings together heritage character, modern comfort, and leading sustainable design. Originally built by Algernon J. Elmore of Elmore Builders, the front façade retains its timeless charm and historic detailing, while a new double-storey extension at the rear introduces a contemporary, high-performance layer that blends seamlessly with the original cottage.
The design balances respect for history with a commitment to creating a healthier, brighter, and more energy-efficient home for modern family living. Soft neutral tones run consistently throughout — from the polished concrete floors to the high ceilings — contributing to a calm, elegant interior. Cleverly positioned north-facing windows capture abundant natural light and offer verdant views of the surrounding garden nooks.
At the heart of the home is a generous open-plan living domain, featuring:
A formal dining area
A state-of-the-art kitchen with high-end European appliances
A full butler’s pantry
Polished concrete floors with in-slab hydronic heating
Genuine hardwood timber flooring in key areas
The home includes four bedrooms with low-toxicity sisal carpet, a flexible open/close study, and three beautifully appointed bathrooms, two featuring standalone bathtubs for thoughtful comfort.
A number of sustainably minded features elevate this home far beyond standard performance:
Full house and under-sink water filtration
Hydronic heating panels throughout
Multiple skylights for natural daylighting
Insulated external walls built for maximum thermal efficiency
High-performing double-glazed windows
29 solar panels (5.9 kW system)
Wicking beds for water-efficient gardening
Rainwater tanks, composting facilities, and worm farms
A large vegetable garden complete with five friendly ducks guarding the produce
Passive solar design principles guide the home’s layout, allowing the spaces to maintain comfortable internal temperatures with minimal mechanical heating or cooling. The original cottage has been fully insulated, while the new extension was constructed to exceptionally high standards to ensure long-term comfort and efficiency.
Thoughtful flexibility is woven into the layout. The French doors can be closed and locked to create a dual-living zone — perfect for a live-in nanny, multigenerational family living, teenagers, international students, or visiting guests.
Through careful restoration and performance-driven design, this project breathes new life into a period home while setting an exemplary benchmark for environmental sustainability. The result is a warm, resilient family home that honours its heritage while looking confidently toward the future.
Builder: A&D Stephens Construction
