A house is more than just a roof over one’s head. It is an expression of its owner’s identity.
In recent years, we have also begun to be more aware of our houses as historical objects. A building is probably the oldest thing with which most of us have daily contact, so those living in old houses have that much in common with previous owners and generations. An old house can therefore tell us about people long gone, as well as current owners. In this way it can speak to us of our past as well as our present.
The many different styles of Classic, Heritage or Queenslander houses comprise a distinctive form of architecture.
The house in Victorian times was a material thing – papered, panelled and polished, furnished, ornamented and equipped. In times of prosperity and social mobility, it was a symbol of the success of the master of the house, of his respectability and that of his family.
By the 1890s, houses exhibited many of the features of Victorian ideas of domestic living at their most developed extent, adapted for each local environment.
The 1970s onwards saw the development in Australia of a vigorous, broadly-based conservation movement, which has led to the restoration of large numbers of private houses. One major incentive is the premium value on the real estate market that has evolved through this restoration, when it is well done.
The process that is best applied to old houses of this type is conservation; deterioration is arrested but essential work is carried out gently and with sensitivity.
Details are often neglected when people are working on an old house. They tend to stand back and look at the job from the street. The view from there, though clearly important, is often misleading.
More broadly, all that can be asked of renovators is that additions or alterations should be in the manner and materials of the original, without endeavouring to hide the modification. It is also important not to integrate materials into an old house that are obviously the product of new technology. These include concrete blocks, modern roofing or paving tiles and similar anachronisms.
As a general rule, before doing anything irreversible, ask yourself: is this the way it would have originally been done? When in doubt, seek advice – we at INTERIOR & GARDEN DESIGN are more than happy to consult with you on your project.
More detail coming soon ….
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