Resources

Defining features

• •Ornate timber fretwork and lacework verandahs
• •Deep front verandah with decorative iron brackets
• •Terracotta tile hip roof with decorative ridge caps

For architects

• •Heritage overlays common — check before altering facade, verandah or windows
• •Timber joinery (floors, doors, skirting) is a selling point but needs maintenance
• •Compartmentalised floor plan limits natural light — rear extensions typically improve liveability

Defining features

• •Cast-iron lacework first-floor balcony
• •Narrow frontage 4–6m, two storeys, party wall both sides
• •Polychrome brick or rendered facade, slate or terracotta roof

For architects

• •Party-wall consent required for any structural work
• •Single-brick construction has poor thermal performance — insulation upgrade critical
• •Rear lane access common — explore laneway addition or studio above garage

Defining features

• •Raised on timber stumps 600mm–1500mm above ground
• •Wraparound verandahs on multiple sides for passive cooling
• •Weatherboard cladding, corrugated iron roof, VJ lining inside

For architects

• •Stump inspection critical — ask for timber report, check for termites and rot
• •Flood overlay compliance — check AHD level, may need raising
• •Subfloor space is leasable area under some councils — explore undercroft

Defining features

• •Low-pitched gable roof with broad overhanging eaves
• •Brick or rendered piers to verandah, dark timber trim and joinery
• •Leadlight windows, open plan living compared to earlier styles

For architects

• •Termite history common — always get a timber pest inspection
• •Low-pitched roof limits attic conversion — cut ceiling needed if upward extension
• •Leadlight restoration costs $800–$2,500 per panel — budget accordingly

Defining features

• •Low horizontal profile with strong indoor-outdoor connection
• •Floor-to-ceiling glazing, clerestory windows, butterfly or flat roof
• •Exposed structural elements — brick, timber, steel visible as design feature

For architects

• •Single-glazed large windows are the thermal weak point — budget for double glaze
• •Robin Boyd and Merchant Builder homes attract heritage interest — check overlays
• •Original fixtures and fittings command premium — resist urge to renovate over them

Defining features

• •Timber frame with single-brick outer skin — NOT a structural wall
• •Hip or gable roof, double lock-up garage, generous setbacks
• •Internal layout typically 3 bedrooms, formal lounge, meals and kitchen

For architects

• •Cavity between frame and brick is often uninsulated pre-1990 — thermal upgrade cost-effective
• •Brick veneer is NOT structural — engineer required before opening walls
• •Predictable to extend and renovate — most builders have cost certainty

Defining features

• •Government-built on shallow concrete slab, 3 bedrooms standard
• •Weatherboard or fibrous cement cladding, modest gable roof
• •Generous block size 600–750 sqm — often larger than contemporary subdivisions

For architects

• •Fibrous cement (fibro) may contain asbestos — test before any demolition work
• •Generous block is the asset — knockdown-rebuild or rear extension common strategy
• •Unapproved extensions are common — check title and council records before purchase

Defining features

• •Flat or skillion roof, rendered cladding, double-height void
• •Bifold or stacker doors to courtyard, indoor-outdoor living focus
• •Mixed cladding materials — render, timber screens, Colorbond

For architects

• •Flat roofs require membrane maintenance every 10–15 years — ask for maintenance history
• •Many are strata or community title — check owners corporation fees and by-laws
• •Energy efficiency varies wildly — check NatHERS rating and insulation spec