Park House, Williamstown

This residential project in the heart of Williamstown involved restoration and additions to a heritage listed former Presbyterian bluestone manse.

The Georgian style manse is architecturally significant as an early and large example of a villa building constructed in 1856. It has been restored to its former glory under the watchful eye of the Heritage Council of Victoria.

The historic building forms the foreground to this ultra-modern monolithic three-level concrete residence to the rear of the property, constructed predominately from in-situ off-form concrete walls, with the upper storey clad in stone to reference the heritage house in the front.

The new construction sits comfortably beside the old with a series of pods and the extensive use of glass providing a respectful separation between architectural styles. The use of a range of iaSlim fixed window systems featuring thermally broken frames provide a light filled connection between the old and the new with perfect year round temperature control.

Frameless floor to ceiling windows capture rays of morning sun throughout the kitchen and living areas, and throughout the home, double hung glazing utilises the sea breeze for natural ventilation.

Glass links connect formal and informal living areas to provide a light-filled passage. A custom made aluminium sliding window provides a hidden, seamless transition between the inside and the outside that is completely flush with the floor of the garden and pool beyond.

Designed by Pleysier Perkins, this extraordinary project is a testament to the art of a respectful marriage of nineteenth century historic grandeur with twenty-first century luxury living.

Photography: Sean Fennessy