The Avenue, Coburg
— The Avenue · Single Storey Home

Single Storey Residential Building Design

A faithfully replicated early 1900s facade with a modern home behind it.

Location
Coburg
Council
Merri-bek
Built
Single Storey
Site
6.7m × 40.1m
Bedrooms
3 + Loft
— At a Glance

Project Overview

Situated on a narrow 6.7m × 40.1m site with rear ROW access, this project maximises building potential while responding to the client's needs.

We delivered a single-storey, three-bedroom home with open-plan living, a double garage, and a loft with additional amenities. The early 1900s facade was faithfully replicated, and upon entering, the home reveals modern design features seamlessly integrated with its period-inspired exterior.

— The Client Brief

A home that combined neighbourhood charm with a modern family lifestyle.

The client set three inspiring goals to guide our creative journey together — each one shaping the way the home meets the street, the site, and daily life inside.

01
Honour the Streetscape

A faithfully replicated early-1900s facade.

Respecting the heritage character of Coburg, the front elevation reads as if it has always belonged on the street.

02
Maximise the Site

Three comfortable bedrooms and a flexible loft.

Open-plan living, a double garage, and a loft with additional amenities — every metre of the narrow block is put to work.

03
Modern Inside, Traditional Outside

Period appropriate from the footpath, modern through the door.

A seamless transition from heritage facade to contemporary interior — no compromise to either character.

01 — The Site Challenge

A narrow inner Melbourne block, with constraints to design around.

Every decision had to balance heritage character with modern liveability. Here's what shaped the approach:

  • Frontage

    A 6.7 metre frontage limiting the front building envelope.

  • Depth

    40.1 metres of depth requiring careful spatial sequencing.

  • Heritage Context

    Streetscape requirements and Merri-bek Council's neighbourhood character expectations.

  • Rear Access

    ROW access at the rear — a quiet opportunity, not a constraint.

02 — Outcome & Results

A site fully realised — and a family now in residence.

The replicated facade, planning approval, and yield on a 268m² block all came together to deliver the brief in full.

  • Council Approval

    Secured through Merri-bek City Council with full compliance with neighbourhood character requirements.

  • Streetscape Contribution

    The replicated period facade was praised for its sensitivity to the existing Coburg streetscape.

  • Site Yield

    Maximised the building potential of a narrow 268m² site — 3 bedrooms, double garage, and loft amenity.

  • Client Outcome

    Project completed and the family is now in residence.

— Client Testimonials

Words from the people who worked with us.

— The Journey

Our four-phase process, applied to The Avenue.

Every Manzel Studio project follows the same trusted four-phase process. Here's what that looked like for this home.

01
Phase One

Strategic Discovery

We explored the client's goals, site, budget, and opportunities to shape a clear project direction.

For The AvenueIdentified rear ROW access as a hidden opportunity on the narrow block.
02
Phase Two

Concept Development

Thoughtful concepts and 3D visuals refined the design to align with vision and site.

For The AvenueResolved the heritage facade with a modern open-plan interior behind it.
03
Phase Three

Documentation & Permits

Detailed drawings, sustainability reports, and permit packages for a smooth approval process.

For The AvenueApproval secured through Merri-bek City Council with full compliance.
04
Phase Four

Support & Final Styling

We support construction, coordinate key details, and help bring the final design to life.

For The AvenueProject completed and the family is now in residence.
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