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237 York Street, South Melbourne

Typology: Heritage, Residential, Sustainability
Location: South Melbourne, Victoria
Completion: 2022
Builder: DSK Projects, Julian Ramsay
Client: Angus Wallace & Yasmine Wallace
Exterior of 237 York Street

237 York Street is one of South Melbourne’s oldest remaining residential buildings. It was built 1862-1863 for Glasgow born John Adam, as a two-room timber shop. For most of the 19th century, it was a shopfront, acting as a small grocery. It has been home to diverse occupants of Scottish, Italian, Greek origin for example, that show how multicultural Melbourne was from the post goldrush period onwards.

The renovation was informed by its history of the local working and artisan class. To ensure that the design sensitively references the past, we retained the entire original exterior façade and roof, heritage doors, windows and chimney, and used natural materials to reflect the history of the original occupants. We prioritised the use of recycled timber for the cladding, fencing and internal floorboards and recycled bricks from both on-site and local sources. We decided to keep the small footprint of 140 sqm both in respect of the origins of the house, but also to minimise the carbon footprint.

The design adapts to 21st century urban living and prioritises sustainability, by capturing natural light using a central courtyard and skylights, reinsulating the original house and extension above the statutory requirements, adding a hidden 2000 litre rainwater tank for toilets and garden use, and abolishing all gas connections. The open-plan lounge, library, and main bedroom all open-up to the main courtyard, providing an enhanced sense of space. The roof space has been transformed into both a children’s play-room accessed from the mezzanine in the second bedroom, as well as abundant hidden storage, that maximises the use of space.

See more: York Street Heritage Impact Statement

Exterior of 237 York Street
Exterior of 237 York Street
Exterior of 237 York Street
Exterior of 237 York Street
Exterior of 237 York Street
Exterior of 237 York Street
Bedroom of 237 York Street
Courtyard of 237 York Street
Living area of 237 York Street
Hallway of 237 York Street
Restroom of 237 York Street
Hallway of 237 York Street
Nursery of 237 York Street
Book Shelf of 237 York Street
Nursery of 237 York Street
Attic of 237 York Street
Yoga room of 237 York Street
Book Shelf Hallway of 237 York Street
Book Shelf Hallway of 237 York Street
Courtyard of 237 York Street
Courtyard of 237 York Street
Hallway of 237 York Street
Bathroom of 237 York Street
Hallway of 237 York Street
Courtyard of 237 York Street
Courtyard of 237 York Street
Bedroom of 237 York Street
Bathroom of 237 York Street
Dining area of 237 York Street
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