Imogen was first introduced to the house as a graduate of architecture when she worked for Nest Architects - assisting on the measuring and drawing of the existing house. Boston Villa was first built in the 1860’s by John Candy - whose son was a monumental mason who carved the beautiful parapets. Nest Architects completed the first renovation in 2009 after squatters burnt down the original house - leaving only the front two rooms intact - this original renovation was concealed behind the heritage facade and created light filled airy spaces that cleverly opened up to a private internal courtyards and light wells.

After 15 years of living since the original Nest renovation, the house needed a few upgrades, and the children are now adults requiring more autonomy and independent spaces. The response was to build a two storey addition on the boundary with the rear laneway - providing a robust boundary to the gritty alley - with private openings back into the internal courtyards.

This was an exercise in tetris-ing built form into a tight urban context while maintaining views, access to daylight, privacy and comfort. At the same time we converted heating and hot water systems to electric and added 10kW of solar panels.