Sustainable House Renovation in Australia: Ararat House by SJB

A Thoughtful Transformation of a 1950s Home for Intergenerational Living

The Ararat House by SJB, designed by architect Adam Haddow for his parents, is a compelling case of sustainable house renovation in Australia. Located in the quiet regional town of Ararat, Victoria, the project reflects a deeply personal and ecologically conscious approach to architecture. Instead of replacing the aging 1950s cream brick home with a new build—a path often favored by local kit home developers—the architect opted to preserve and carefully expand the existing structure. This decision champions both environmental responsibility and cultural continuity.

Respecting the Original While Preparing for the Future

The renovation strategy was not about radical transformation but about performing a “series of surgeries” on the original dwelling. These subtle, strategic interventions retain the embodied carbon of the existing building while honoring the architectural modesty typical of regional Australian towns. The additions include a new “good room,” a kitchen, dining, and living area with a northern veranda and courtyard, and two bathrooms to the south. These spaces are seamlessly integrated with the three-bedroom core of the original house, creating a functional and flexible environment that can evolve with the family over time.

A Place Rooted in Local Identity

Every element of Ararat House is rooted in its locale. Built by local craftspeople using locally sourced materials, the home becomes more than architecture—it becomes an act of urban acupuncture, stitching together memory, sustainability, and livability. The streets of Ararat, known for their eclectic mix of modest homes and slow-paced development, form the cultural backdrop for this renovation. The home sits quietly among them, respectful of its place yet gently reimagined to meet contemporary needs.

Architecture for Aging and Legacy

Designed for aging in place, the home provides comfort and dignity for the current residents, while offering a framework for generational continuity. Haddow anticipates that the house may one day be home to his brother’s family. In that eventuality, the house is primed to receive a future rumpus room extension to the rear yard, supporting the life and energy of younger occupants without disrupting the calm order of the current design.

Vernacular Materials and Emotional Resonance

Brick, timber, and natural light define the interior spaces. There’s a tactile warmth that emerges through the considered use of honest materials. The renovation respects not only architectural heritage but emotional history. The memory of the house as a long-standing family home is preserved and extended, embracing change with grace.

Redefining Regional Australian Living

Sustainable house renovation in Australia is not limited to cities or dramatic eco-builds. In Ararat House, sustainability is about reuse, continuity, and a sensitive relationship to local context. This project reaffirms that architecture can support the everyday lives of families while fostering broader conversations around aging, memory, and the role of design in small-town renewal.

All Photographs are works of Martina Gemmola