the brief
The Clinton Street renovation 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.
The client
Our clients were excited by the opportunity to own and live in a slice of Orange’s history for the next 5 or so years, 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.
Dining room render of Clinton Street.
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. The previous owner had left a full collection of deeds and documents to the property right back to when it was built. 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 also ensuring the clients were comfortable with the budget.
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.
