Hope St House
Built: 2025
Site Area: 191sqm
House Area: 123sqm
Scope: Design, Town Planning, Interior Design, Documentation
Builder: NorthStar Projects
Photographer: Joseph Koprek Commercial
Brief: Renovation & rear single storey extension in a heritage overlay
Tucked behind the modest façade of a heritage single fronted cottage, the Hope St House reveals itself as a carefully choreographed journey of discovery beyond the front door. Set on a small 192sqm site, the project is a thoughtful renovation and extension that transforms spatial limitations into opportunities for clarity, light, and efficiency.
Working within a limited budget, the design embraces a simple material palette—soft neutral stone, pale timber flooring, and restrained black accents—creating a calm, cohesive interior language. The compact, efficient layout maximizes every square meter, with integrated joinery and seamless transitions between spaces enhancing both function and flow.
Natural light becomes a defining architectural element. Highlight windows and carefully positioned openings draw daylight deep into the plan, illuminating the kitchen and living areas while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. The result is an interior that feels unexpectedly expansive, despite the tight footprint.
The kitchen, anchored by a minimal island and concealed storage, reflects the home’s understated, refined design ethos. Beyond, large sliding openings dissolve the boundary between inside and out, extending the living space into the garden and reinforcing a sense of openness.
Sustainability is embedded throughout. As an all electric home, it prioritizes energy efficiency without compromising comfort or aesthetics. Passive design principles—orientation, insulation, and daylighting—reduce energy demand while enhancing livability.
Ultimately, the Hope St House is a hidden gem: a quiet yet confident architectural response that balances heritage constraints with contemporary living. Its success lies not only in design resolution, but in the close collaboration with the client, resulting in a home that feels both personal and enduring.
Check out the Hope St house journey over on our Instagram.
Please get in touch with us if you would like to know more about this project. contactus@studiocreo.com.au
Architecture
Interiors
Client Testimonial
“My husband & I engaged Studio Creo for the restoration and extension of our family home.
From the outset, Dan’s approach and demeanour was precise and professional. Having not been through a full renovation process before, Dan carefully outlined to us what was involved; from initial concept, town planning, the construction process and everything in between. During each phase, Dan took the time to explain in detail what would occur and why, along with the different approaches and outcomes possible.
Dan presented different designs that fully explored the parameters within which we had asked him to work. Again, Dan’s communication during this phase was excellent. He talked through the pros and cons of each design, the budgetary considerations, affect on neighbours, town planning and construction realities. Once we settled on a design, Dan’s creativity helped utilise every millimetre of the small footprint we were working with. Dan explored countless variations and ideas within the overall design to ensure that the finished product is as functional and practical as possible. The design was approved by council without objection or issue thanks to Dan’s meticulous planning and consideration.
When it came to interior design, Anneliese’s approach mirrored Dan’s; precise and professional. Annaliese nailed the look and feel we wanted for our home following our first conversation. We were blown away by the mood boards and renders that she produced. Anneliese explored the full scope of possibilities, exposing us to ideas that have exceeded our expectations.
Studio Creo are transparent with their services and pricing. Throughout the entire process, Dan & Anneliese have been prompt in responding to queries and communicated impeccably.
My husband & I can not speak highly enough of Studio Creo, Dan & Anneliese. They’re fantastic to work with and we would recommend Studio Creo to anyone looking for architectural and interior design services.”
Amy & Steven – Hope Street Project