Working within a tightly constrained inner-city site, the home extends boundary to boundary with access limited to the rear laneway.

Extensive excavation, crane lifts, road closures and temporary works were required throughout construction, with each stage carefully sequenced from the outset.

The original residence was repaired and restored before new works commenced. Mechanical subfloor ventilation was introduced beneath the existing building, while the heritage façade, hard plaster, fireplaces and traditional detailing were carefully refurbished.

One of the original marble fireplaces, badly damaged during demolition, was painstakingly rebuilt piece by piece rather than replaced.

The contemporary addition introduces a restrained material palette of Equitone cladding, Royal Oak flooring, bluestone paving and finely crafted joinery.

A passenger lift was carefully integrated into the home, with its threshold custom milled into the existing timber flooring. Large skylights bring natural light deep into the house, while automation, security, solar and modern building services remain discreetly integrated throughout.

The original arbour was retained and structurally supported during construction while new footings and custom steel stirrups were installed beneath it.

A new front fence was rebuilt to match the original detailing, maintaining the established character of the heritage streetscape.

Designed by Alison Dodd Architects, Manor House carefully balances the restoration of a St Kilda heritage residence with contemporary living spaces, modern services and new technology.

The transition between old and new is intentionally difficult to find — restored plaster, a rebuilt marble fireplace and a concealed lift all sit at the same standard, allowing the original home to feel complete while quietly accommodating the way the family lives today.