Heritage Meets Modernity

Nestled in the prestigious suburb of Woollahra in Sydney, the historic Thanet stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of Arts and Crafts architecture. Originally designed and built in the United States in 1901, this NSW Heritage-listed timber cottage was shipped to Australia and constructed in 1903.

GALLERY  

After 120 years, this iconic home required meticulous care and vision to ensure it could meet the demands of modern family living while preserving its historical charm. Enter MILEHAM, a distinguished architectural and project management firm, and ProBuilt Projects, renowned for their construction excellence.

The project scope was ambitious: heritage restoration, extension, internal renovation and landscaping. MILEHAM, known for their architectural prowess and project management skills, led the project, while ProBuilt Projects handled the construction. Bates Landscape was entrusted with the landscape architecture, adding the final touches to the home’s rejuvenation.

In 2023, this collaborative effort was recognised with the prestigious Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing Award for House Restorations and Additions up to $1.6 million. The judges praised the project, stating, “The standout of this build was the flawless connection of a steel pavilion to the existing structure, as well as the inclusion of a fully imported kitchen, ordered in advance which added complexity to the project. Despite difficult access, and intricate dampness control measures, ProBuilt Projects and the team at MILEHAM delivered a modern and seamless update of a heritage property.”

Central to the restoration was the seamless integration of a contemporary pavilion, built in 1994, with the original heritage house. This was not merely an architectural challenge but a delicate balancing act of respecting historical design while introducing modern amenities. The result is a cohesive flow between the two buildings, harmonising indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The owners of Thanet were deeply committed to maintaining the historical integrity of the home while adapting it to contemporary living. Their vision required the expertise and creativity that MILEHAM brought to the table. Cameron, a resident of Darling Point, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Without James and the MILEHAM team, we would never have been able to conceive and execute the Award Winning restoration of our Darling Point home. Nothing was a problem for MILEHAM, who always found creative, value-accretive options to realise our vision. James has the unique ability to combine his experience as an architect with his knowledge as a builder, to develop and deliver transformative ideas. We would never start a project without MILEHAM.”

The restoration of Thanet is a shining example of how historical preservation and modern innovation can coexist. The project not only revived a piece of Sydney’s architectural history but also set a benchmark for future heritage restorations. Through careful planning, innovative design, and skilled execution, the team transformed Thanet into a home ready to face the next century, blending the romance of the past with the functionality of the present.

For more information, visit MILEHAM

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