heritage home builders, melbourne
restored at the front, extended behind
heritage houses ask more of their builder: original fabric to keep and repair, a new addition to set behind it, and often a narrow site between neighbours.
we restore what can be saved, replicate faithfully what cannot, and build new work that meets the old fabric without imitating it.
every residence is overseen by its directors, stevie hatz and andrew loucaides, from first conversation to handover.
what heritage work asks for
the original fabric
facades, front rooms, ceiling roses, skirtings and original doors are kept and repaired wherever they can be saved; where they cannot, the replacements follow the originals. at opus 5, the 1940s portico door, with a lyrebird in its profile, was repaired and became the starting point for the interiors.
the addition behind
new work is set behind the retained house and shaped to bring light further in; at opus 73, each change of volume in the extension draws daylight deeper into the house.
the site itself
period streets leave little room: neighbours on both sides, and narrow ways in. at opus 73, getting the new structure onto the site, around what was kept, was the hardest part of the build.
approvals
for commissioned residences, we manage the consultants and approvals, including those a heritage overlay requires.
heritage residences
residences delivered by our directors.
opus 5, caulfield north
a 1940s house under a heritage overlay; its facade and three front rooms restored, and a new addition behind.
opus 73, middle park
a heritage-listed house; its front rooms kept, and a two-storey extension by teo and perperis behind.
recognition
master builders association excellence in housing awards 2025, finalist: opus 73, middle park; opus 5, caulfield north.
housing industry association victorian housing awards: finalist 2025, opus 5, caulfield north; finalist 2024, opus 73, middle park.
industry recognition achieved by stevie and andrew prior to founding opus formed.
questions about heritage homes
do you build under a heritage overlay?
yes. residences delivered by our directors include a 1940s house under a heritage overlay in caulfield north and a heritage-listed house in middle park.
can the original details be kept?
wherever they can be saved. ceiling roses, skirtings and original doors are repaired in place; where something cannot be saved, the replacement follows the original.
can you build an extension our architect has designed?
yes. through appointed delivery, opus formed builds a design already in hand, as drawn.
how do we start?
with the concept service, or, if you already have drawings, a conversation about appointed delivery.
how is a heritage project different?
the concept takes slightly longer, typically eight weeks rather than six, because the house is assessed and its heritage controls researched first. most works under a heritage overlay need a planning permit, assessed by council and its heritage advisor. and more is found once an older house is opened up, so we advise on and build in a contingency suited to your house.
working with your architect
architectural builders for design practices and their clients
boutique residences
luxury homes, built a few at a time and personally overseen
custom homes
designed and built as one, from first concept to handover
what it costs
the cost of an architect-designed home, and where it goes
start the conversation
whether you're starting with a period house or a set of drawings for one, we would welcome hearing from you.