VERDON

A young family of four had a house of their dreams in the location of their dreams, but what they didn’t love were the dark and fragmented spaces of their much loved Williamstown home.  Working within the footprint of the already large single storey home, Dig Design has created a light and open home that really has made their architectural dreams come true.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Carmel + Jamie

Build:  Madeform

Photography:  Daniella Fulford

Dig Design was asked to create a family home suited to a contemporary lifestyle.  There needed to be better connection between spaces, looking at where people naturally congregated within the home.  It called for a contemporary architectural style to create a stimulating place to call home.

The existing house was fragmented with many detached spaces, with very strong design choices having been made by previous owners.  We wanted to make the house work as efficiently as possible, making the most of it’s large footprint without the need to extend, we believed we could refurbish and reinvigorate the home.

The kitchen is the heart of the design, it is a focal point with both the living and dining opening onto it.  The contemporary black kitchen was critical as a design focus and finishes used throughout the house are designed to supplement and unify the home.  Top of the client’s wish list was the removal of what they called the salmon room (a very dark ochre painted dining room) as well as removing the terracotta tiles from the floors which was the initial impetus for the project.

It was important to connect the inside and outside of the house and improve the flow of the home.  We opened up the back of the house substituting French doors with stacking sliding doors.  An alfresco dining area was created and became a transitional space to the backyard.  The existing exterior was bag rendered which we replaced with shiplap cladding, making some modifications to the form of the rear of the home at the same time.

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The four bedrooms in the house were retained and new finishes tied these areas to the rest of the home.  The service areas were redesigned to create a walk-in-robe, ensuite, laundry and walk in pantry. By making the design more efficient we were able to create extra spaces and make the rooms feel larger.

New floor boards throughout the house and strong black detailing and complimentary colours enabled us to bring the whole project together as a cohesive home, without moving a single external wall.

It is with great pleasure that we recommend Julie-Anne & Lindsay from Dig Design without reservation for their architectural and interior design brilliance in renovating our home.

We engaged Julie-Anne & Lindsay to transform our 1890’s Victorian home and design a renovation that would suit the needs of modern family living.

The Dig Design team led the process, overseeing tenders with the builders, and creating a design that both respects the home’s heritage, reflects a contemporary aesthetic that we love and is highly functional.

The process itself was incredibly well managed with regular onsite meetings between ourselves, the builders and Dig Design that ensured our large scale renovation was completed ahead of time and in budget. 

The Dig Design team were very responsive and accessible to discuss every design element which helped us feel confident and supported throughout the process.

We have been in our renovated home for nearly two years now, and still love coming home and entertaining with family and friends.

–   Carmel+ Jamie, Williamstown

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RAILWAY

Located in the heritage suburb of Williamstown, a small home on a large block required a transformation to suit a large family with 4 boys. Dig Design have designed additions to maximise natural light into the house, the sense of space and the connection with the outdoor spaces, challenging the form of the traditional inner west suburban cottage.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Darren + Tracey

Build:  John Morlang Building Contractors

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Dig Design’s brief was twofold, to restore the heritage home in full character, but with a contemporary twist, to remove the existing lean-to and create a large contemporary extension that found a balance between spaces for human connectedness, with spaces to be enjoyed together, and spaces you could find solace in.

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The site is suburban block in Williamstown with a heritage overlay, and a north south orientation, requiring an innovative solution to maximise the site and access to natural light, whilst maintaining the neighbours access to natural light also.  A contemporary take on the sawtooth roof form allows northern sun into the main family areas of the house.

Large glazed operable walls connect the main family spaces with the large deck and external spaces.

The heritage part of the home, has been given a contemporary twist in its restoration through black and white bathrooms, charcoal carpets, black ceilings and spotted gum flooring.  Victorian bones with a contemporary palette.  Whilst the new additions are not only set apart in form but finish as well, a palette of polished concrete, oak, black and marbled elements, white walls and black window frames.

The new additions challenge the form of the traditional inner west suburban cottage.  Yet, by working with and respecting the existing house it is not overwhelmed by the new form.

The result is something not often seen in heritage suburbs like Williamstown, a distinctly modern addition that highlights and preserves the historic value of the original home, avoiding era confusion and mimicry.

Elegant, restrained and considered, contemporary detailing of joinery and finishes has helped create a place for this family of six within a suburb that they love.

We have had a history with Dig Design for over 10 years and seen Julie-Anne and Lindsay flourish into an award winning forward thinking contemporary outfit!  Not only have we referred a swag of our A-grade clients to Dig, they designed our own home.

–   Darren + Tracey, Williamstown

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OSBORNE

Strikingly contemporary additions to a heritage home located in Williamstown to accommodate a family of four, with town planning permits successfully negotiated without the need to front at VCAT.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Janelle + Jeremy

Build:  Sier Constructions

Photography:  Peter Clarke

Located in the heritage suburb of Williamstown and subject to a heritage overlay, the front four heritage rooms were retained and restored, with large contemporary additions forming the rear of the home.

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It is a challenge in Williamstown, with its strict heritage controls, to get contemporary design approved, so the additions are designed to have minimal visibility from the street thus maintaining the heritage streetscape and are subsequently situated to the far west of the site.  The first floor opens up to views looking over existing roof toward parkland and Williamstown Beach, and the siting of the house caters for a young active family.

The local authority has a very conservative approach to conforming with their planning policies.  We were able to negotiate with them that successful heritage additions don’t need to be copies or be apologetic.

We are very proud that we were able to create a piece of quality architecture that stands on its own right but also addresses all the heritage guideline points, without the need to visit VCAT.

Key to the client’s brief was a home that could suit the needs of a young family now and adapt to their needs in the future.  Respecting the original structure of the building we seamlessly paired a contemporary extension to the rear of the property for a family of four.  We were able to create spaces with a balance between providing enough space whilst maintaining a sense of scale and intimacy.  Spaces have been created such that the family can be in different areas yet stay connected, or that they can come together for shared experiences.

As a multi-discipline design practice of architects and interior designers, Dig Design’s design process is a collaborative one right from the outset.  Ideas and principles are actively discussed within our team with each discipline challenging the other, working toward better results.

Dig Design had an amazing ability to respect the original structure of the building whilst seamlessly pairing a very modern contemporary extension to the rear of the property for our family of four. 

We were delighted with the design, attention to detail and open communication of Lindsay Douglas and the Dig Design team.  They negotiated skillfully with council over local heritage considerations in a highly professional and knowledgeable manner.

Lindsay and Julie Anne were always keen to listen to our suggestions, allowing us to feel like we were taking ownership and directing the project, answer our many questions, settle our nerves, and keep us in the loop. But, most importantly, their creative and inspiring ideas took shape with barely a hiccup.

We have no hesitation in recommending Dig Design to you.

–   Janelle + Jeremy, Williamstown

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HANNAN

Located on one of Williamstown’s most sought after streets, Dig Design created a home for a young family that found the balance between traditional and contemporary, old and new, interior and exterior.  The design balance in the elements of this home have resulted in an architectural solution that is something quite special.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Williamstown

Client:  Brett + Carly

Build:  John Morlang Building Contractors

Photography:  Damien Kook

Dig Design was asked to create new and contemporary additions to a traditional weatherboard home in Williamstown which was subject to a heritage overlay.  We looked to balance the restoration of the existing part of the home with a contemporary addition to suit a young family.

As a graphic designer and an accountant, our clients had a keen eye for detail and we worked very closely with them dissecting the details of the details which have resulted in some incredible finishes being woven into the design of this home.  As you make your way through the home, the story of this house unfolds, moving from light yet private spaces through to open plan living at it’s best.

Much of the design of this home is about balance.  The balance between old and new, the balance between individual spaces and a cohesive whole, the balance between spaces and the spaces in between and the balance between interior and exterior.

The connection of spaces has been a design generator on this project.  For example, the stair as a feature rather than simply a way to travel between the ground and first floor, it is a connection point, inside and outside, a place to gather, a place to sit on a dark day and watch the rain fall in the pool, finding the balance between circulation and connection.

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Natural materials take pride of place, with timber floor boards, natural stones and timber veneers.  the additions are clad in a combination of cement render, spotted gum shiplap cladding and timber battens as well as weatherboard components that pay respect to the surrounding dwellings.

This is a large home for Williamstown, yet no space is wasted, the very most is made of every space, every vista, every surface.  Each space we designed, be it internally or externally, was created to support the way this family uses their home.  Design quality was at the forefront of all choices, whether it was in relation to layout, finishes or fixtures.

Every element within the design is part of a cohesive set, nothing has been left to chance, there are no happy accidents in this design.  From the finishes, to the relationship between spaces, from the stair design to the timber screens there is a symbiotic relationship between all the elements that go into making this home so special.

AWARDED

2021 Design Matters National

Winner

Residential Alterations|Additions

$800K+ Construction Cost

2021 Design Matters National

Winner

Bathroom Design

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AGNES

Located in Yarraville, and owned by a busy local restaurateur couple and their two dogs, Dig Design created a place to call home that blended two cultures and made the very most of their old workers cottage.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Yarraville

Client:  Adam + Maya

Build:  L O’Grady Constructions

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Located in the inner west suburb of Yarraville the Adam + Maya had a small dilapidated weatherboard home on a very narrow block.  The existing house was very run down and dark, in contrast they were after a contemporary home that maximised the site and access to natural light.

The form of the additions was generated in order to maximise access to natural light.

Courtyards allow for large glazed operable walls bringing light into the narrow site, elegant contemporary courtyard gardens borrow Japanese references without mimicking Japanese style.

A contemporary take on the sawtooth roof form allows for northern sun to every living space.

The home seamlessly combines and compliments two cultures, with the creation of a contemporary Australian home with subtle Japanese references.

It simultaneously challenges the form of a traditional inner western suburb weatherboard cottage and the idea of the Japanese courtyard house.

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Distinctly Australian materials of spotted gum cladding, blackbutt floors, bluestone paving and copper features have been used in conjunction with an interior palette referencing Japanese design featuring black, oak, concrete and marble to perfectly blend two cultures.

The creation of nooks throughout the house provide areas of solace within communal spaces.

Adam + Maya’s home proves that big is not always best, that considered compact design has a place in the modern Australian home.

AWARDED

2016 National Association of Building Designers

Winner

Alterations|Additions Residential Design

$350 to $800K Construction Cost

2016 Building Designers Association of Victoria

Winner

Residential Alterations|Additions

$250 to $500K Construction Cost

2016 Building Designers Association of Victoria

Commendation

Excellence in Use of Timber

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MUNRO

Located in Ascot Vale, on a 407 m² site, the very most needed to be made of every square metre of the home to accommodate a young family running a home business.  Much of the design of this home is about the dynamic use of space and even though it’s a tight site, this home feels anything but small.  Dig Design has created a home that maximises natural light with connected zones and dynamic feature facades.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Ascot Vale

Client:  Daniel + Tanya

Build:  DS Project Builders

Photography:  Dylan James

Located in Ascot Vale, the existing residence was a run-down Edwardian weatherboard that was stripped of it’s period features during a 1970s renovation.  Whilst we could have demolished and designed for a knock down rebuild, it was determined in initial discussions with the client, that the existing residence would be retained, restored and a new contemporary extension be built to the rear.

Restoring the existing residence and in particular the facade, paid respect to the neighbouring streetscape and allowed us to provide contrast with a striking contemporary form to the rear.

Natural materials take pride of place, with timber floor boards, natural stones and timber veneers.  The angular additions utilise silvertop ash timber battens with black steel window reveals to create a truly dynamic form.  This contemporary form is highlighted when the sun casts a shadow from the neighbouring property’s traditional roof form onto the angular walls of the first floor additions and the way it changes over the course of the day.

With a site of only 407 m², to accommodate a young family running a home business, the very most needed to be made of every square metre of the home.

Much of the design of this home is about the dynamic use of space and even though it’s a tight site, this home feels anything but small.  A home has been created that maximises natural light with connected zones and dynamic feature facades.

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We sought to create a home that suited a young family in the present, but one that could also adapt and bring them joy into the future.

The central zone of the home accommodates the living, dining and kitchen, providing spaces that the whole family will occupy, the balance of the home is divided into generational zones.

The existing front part of the home is the parent’s zone with the master suite and formal sitting room.  The first floor is the children’s zone and houses bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room and access to secret spaces in the ground floor roof space that serves as a study zone for now, and future storage, with a daybed/reading nook located over the stairs.

An office zone is located at the rear of the property at first floor level, creating a carport and alfresco area at ground level.  This office zone is generous in size and will become a teenage zone as the family grows.

The dynamic feature facades of the first floor additions and the office zone are a unique feature to the MUNRO project.  Interacting with light and shadow the feature silvertop ash battens creates a one of a kind feature in Ascot Vale and has added exceptional architectural value to the property.

Cabinets + internal finishes by client with Watts Studio

Cabinets + internal finishes by client with Watts Studio

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BEACONSFIELD

Located on Beaconsfield Parade, ‘Balgownie’ is an exceptional tutor home with three luxury levels overlooking the St Kilda marina.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  St Kilda West

Client:  Mark + Shelley

Build:  Hansen Living

Photography:  WhiteFox Real Estate

Video by WhiteFox Real Estate, via YouTube

Originally divided into two town houses, Dig Design was asked to consolidating the two dwellings and create a single luxury home for a young growing family.

Spread over three levels, every step through this home is impressive … although you can take the lift!  The ground floor hosts a large Hamptons style kitchen which opens out onto the pool and deck through full height operable glass doors, as well as the living room, a study with it’s own ensuite and golf storeroom, guest rooms, dining room and cellar.

The second floor features the family bedrooms a bathroom and master suite, a billiard room, a second study and private living room.

But it’s the third floor where the architectural magic happens, featuring balcony views over the bay, a large operable glass roof, a bar, teppanyaki grill, living space, fully equipped gymnasium and a golf simulator.

Take a look at the above video presented by WhiteFox Real Estate for their incredibly successful 2021 sales campaign where an amazing sale price was achieved for our clients.

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MARKET

Our Sydney based clients purchased a previously dark and dated apartment within the heritage listed Port Authority building as their Melbourne base on their frequent visits.  Dig Design transformed the apartment into a light and bright, open plan to suit a contemporary lifestyle within it’s 80sqm area.

Type:  Alterations + Additions (Apartment)

Location:  Melbourne

Client:  Christopher + Sue

Build:  Madeform

Photography:  Daniella Fulford

Located within the heritage listed Port Authority Building the foyer and common areas had strong period details.  The existing apartment however, was untouched since the 1980s conversion and very inefficient.  The original ceiling was a lot lower than the structural floor above and corridors wasted a lot of space with enclosed areas, such as the kitchen, meant a lot of the apartment was very dark.

Key to the redesign of this apartment was maximising the sense of space, and getting light in wherever possible.  Creating an open plan kitchen meal, living made the biggest difference to a previously dark and divided layout.  Lifting the ceiling height to the structural floor above and boxing out services where required added to the sense of grandeur.  Lighter floors, and the extensive use of white with black accents has not only modernised the space, it has had a huge impact on the feeling of light and space.

We looked to make the apartment as efficient as possible, increasing the comfort of the apartment making it lighter and brighter.  Dig Design’s layout created a larger kitchen, living area and added an additional bathroom without compromising bedroom sizes.

Consolidating the kitchen, meals and living into one area allowed them to be opened up to the north.  The back wall of the kitchen was potentially the darkest part of the apartment so lighting choice was critical in the design.

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AWARDED

2021 Design Matters National

Winner

Residential Alterations|Additions

Under $350K Construction Cost

Well-executed solutions to this challenging site.  This ‘less is more’ approach has not over-designed the space.  It feels like a high end hotel.  A beautiful light-filled apartment.

–   Judging Panel, Design Matters National Awards 2021

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CARPENTER

A big tree, an old house, a new family with a desire for human interaction and connectedness.  A curved feature clad in timber offset with a titanium box, voids and glass walls that open onto refined outdoor spaces.  Smiling clients … and the project is a success.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Brighton

Client:  Andrew + Kate

Build:  Sier Constructions

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Located on a busy road in Brighton, the focus of this house for a young family was always going to be away from the street.  Insular, introspective and private spaces of the existing home transition into the open light filled spaces of the additions promoting human interaction and family togetherness.

A curved feature clad in timber frames a view into a small backyard with a very large tree and is offset with a simple titanium box housing 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a living area, spaces that will cater for expanding family life.

Voids connect the first floor with the active zones of the ground floor and glass operable walls open onto refined outdoor spaces.

Dig Design’s work challenges the form of a traditional weatherboard bungalow in Brighton through the use of simple forms and beautiful materials featuring spotted gum and titanium zinc.

A large tree is located to the rear of the block and in many ways the scale of the additions were determined by the tree that was in, then out when it looked lost, and back in again after it was saved by an arborist.

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AWARDED

2014 National Association of Building Designers

Winner

Alterations|Additions Residential Design

$800K+ Construction Cost

2014 Building Designers Association of Victoria

Winner

Residential Alterations + Additions

$500K+ Construction Cost

2015 Houzz

Best in House, Design

2016 Houzz

Best in Houzz, Design

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PATERSON

Over one hundred years old, this small terrace home in Princes Hill required reworking to accommodate a young expanding family.  Dig Design was engaged to create a home that was light, bright and offered space they didn’t think was possible.

Type:  Alterations + Additions

Location:  Princes Hill

Client:

Build:  Sier Constructions

Photography:  Rachel Lewis

Located in Princes Hill, the client had lived in this small inner suburban terrace house for a number of years.  It had a number of poor quality renovations prior to them, was in poor condition, drafty and lacking in access to natural light.

With a young expanding family they were after more space, a family friendly home that embraced the period features of the home but was, in contrast, distinctly modern to the rear, with good access to natural light .  A heritage overlay meant that a solution was required that met the client’s desires for a modern home within council’s heritage guidelines.

A small lot with a site area of a mere 160 square metres, the existing home was one of four adjoining single storey terrace houses.  It was in poor condition with period features missing, cracking, termites and water damage.  It was dark with limited access to natural light, but the rear yard was north facing.

Dig Design’s key design objectives were to retain the heritage facade as part of the terrace row, restore the front period rooms of the home and create a contemporary open extension to the rear and first floor.

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A neutral and light colour scheme was used throughout the interior tie the old and new spaces.  What was a previously dark home opens up to a sun filled zone that reflects the light on its white surfaces.  The white interior is in contrast with the warm exterior colours that include red bricks, spotted gum timber and copper cladding.

This home demonstrates that a design need not be large or fussy to be effective. A simple palette internally allows the feature external elements of spotted gum and copper cladding stand proud within its very urban and uniquely Melbourne laneway location.

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