The Challenge
As every renovator knows, taking on a Victorian-era home is always a labour of love.
When faced with the heritage-listed single-front Hawthorn brick Victorian house, Tony McKenzie of McKenzie Construction Group knew it was going to be a balancing act getting the restoration and modernisation of the Carlton home just right.
Starting with the heritage requirements, Tony needed to keep the first 5.4 metres of the house exactly as it was, which meant preserving the original façade and first bedroom while still modernising the interior.
Getting approvals was another significant challenge. Tony needed to maximise the living space of a home built with a small footprint. To make the most do the renovation, Tony sought approvals to build upwards to include rooftop decks with incredible city views. The planning process was complex, requiring careful negotiation and persistence.
Tony had to update the fire rating on the boundary walls, due to the proximity of the neighbouring houses.
Bondor’s LuxeWall FlameGuard® architectural wall cladding and boundary wall system provided the exterior walling solution Tony needed for reliable fire resistance, which is a crucial consideration in densely built urban areas like Carlton.
The Solution
From the intricate design details to navigating planning approvals, this project was a true test of Tony’s extensive renovation experience.
With 40 years in the building game, Tony knew exactly how to tackle these challenges, working closely with his partner Stewie and designer Emily Lewis to ensure everything was just right.
The result is a beautifully transformed property that preserves its heritage facade while offering a completely contemporary interior.
The completed home boasts three bedrooms, two living areas and two rooftop decks featuring stunning city views. Tony and Stewie maintained the historical character of the original façade and front bedroom while updating the interior with modern amenities.
The interior design, crafted with help from designer Emily, features light, contemporary finishes with timber grain joinery and matte finish elements. The top floor is designed as a parent’s retreat, with a master bedroom, private bathroom, powder room, and a balcony overlooking the city.
A standout feature is the rooftop terrace, which Tony described as a “cherry on top”—offering all-day sunshine and panoramic city views.
Tony chose Bondor panels for this renovation based on his extensive commercial experience, finding them to be a lightweight, pre-finished, and durable product.
He said using Bondor panels was a “no brainer” given their practical advantages and ease of installation.
“The guys at Bondor measured everything up, folded all the corners, and was virtually just our labour to get (the panels) up there by hand.
“As opposed to any other product, it was just a dream to work with,” he said.
The renovation successfully balances historical preservation with modern living, creating a unique and functional home in the heart of Carlton.
In Tony’s words, it was about creating something “virtually timeless”—a home that respects its heritage while offering modern comfort.
Manufactured in Australia by Bondor, LuxeWall FlameGuard® is an exceptional architectural wall cladding and boundary wall system crafted with a non-combustible Mineral Wool core. Designed to meet fire safety requirements for residential applications, it delivers a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of 60/60/60.
