the brief

Clinton Street was about creating a home worthy of its history, while reworking it to suit modern family life. The aim was not a standard Federation renovation, but something a little unexpected – thoughtful, layered and quietly confident. A key part of the brief was improving the floor plan to better capture natural light and ensure spaces like bathrooms weren’t occupying the best positions on the block.

*Living room renders of Clinton Street.*

The client

Our clients were excited by the opportunity to own a slice of Orange’s history, but they were also very clear about wanting the home to stand out in the market when the time comes to sell. Rather than blending in, the goal was to create a home future buyers would instantly connect with. Having a clear end value in mind helped guide smart decisions throughout the process, balancing quality, character and budget. It was a joy adding complementary layers of detail and a few standout moments to this beautiful old home.

The space

Originally built in 1911, the house has been home to many over the years – from a farmer to a sawmiller, an English soldier and a metal fabricator. Several lean-to additions had been added across decades, which required careful consideration alongside the building designer. We explored multiple layout iterations before landing on a solution that respected the home’s history while setting it up for the next chapter.

*Dining room renders of Clinton Street.*

The result

This project is currently in progress, with completion anticipated mid-2026. As with all old homes, the build has required thoughtful pivots along the way, including reworking the rear foundations and pouring a new slab. Careful planning, problem solving and a great builder have been key to keeping the project moving forward.

Read more about the planning and material selections on the blog →