On Athol Street in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, this project brings together a meticulously restored Victorian residence and a contemporary Japanese-inspired pavilion, defined by clean lines, restrained materiality, and a disciplined architectural language.

Together, the restored residence and contemporary pavilion illustrate how timber-look external cladding and a calibrated contrast can enhance both heritage and modern architecture within a cohesive residential setting.

Set on a wide, established block, the project was guided by a clear and deliberate vision. The brief called for a faithful restoration of the Victorian residence, preserving its heritage character, alongside the introduction of a contemporary pavilion, a refined architectural volume designed to sit confidently beside the original structure without competing with or diminishing its presence.

The restoration process evolved into a disciplined exercise in precision and respect for traditional craftsmanship. Original bluestone was carefully reinstated, mortar retinted to a period-accurate hue, and intricate metal latticework removed, repaired, and reinstalled by hand. A reconstructed wrought-iron fence and English-style garden re-established the home’s historic frontage. The completed façade now presents with a level of refinement that exceeds its original construction, an outcome formally recognised as the winner for the 2025 HIA Victorian Awards - Renovation/ Addition Project over $5 million.

In measured contrast to the restored façade, the new pavilion introduces a composed expression of contemporary architecture. Its proportions, material palette, and controlled play of light and shadow draw from Japanese architectural traditions, forming a calm counterpoint to the Victorian home. While distinct in era and expression, the two structures are resolved through landscape, rhythm, and a disciplined use of materiality, allowing each to retain its identity while contributing to a cohesive whole.

The contemporary pavilion is wrapped in Covet Kabebari 30×50mm timber-look aluminium battens, finished in Covet Ever Art Wood® Burakku Suchi-ru. The fine grain and deep, tonal warmth introduce a tactile softness that tempers the pavilion’s rectilinear form, while the controlled interplay of light and shadow across the battens shifts subtly throughout the day.

As a non-combustible, fire-rated aluminium cladding system, Kabebari delivers the visual authenticity of timber with the long-term stability and performance required for a project of this calibre. The selection was also deeply personal. Both the designer and client share a strong appreciation for Japanese design, with Burakku Suchi-ru offering a refined, textural expression that anchors this influence within the architecture.

To the rear of the Victorian residence, Covet Ever Art Wood® 100×12 planks introduce a discreet contemporary edge. Positioned away from the street frontage, these timber-look cladding panels allow the restored heritage façade to remain untouched, while quietly extending material continuity between old and new through tone, grain, and proportion.

Between the two structures, a Japanese-inspired garden forms the critical seam. Stone, planting, and restrained lighting draw the architecture together, allowing heritage and contemporary forms to engage with ease. As daylight fades, the battens take on a soft, ambient glow, revealing their grain and amplifying the pavilion’s quiet architectural presence.

From the earliest design conversations, Covet worked closely with the independent designer whose experience includes the Australian Embassy in Kyoto and the wider project team to shape the pavilion’s material language. Together, finishes, profiles, and textures were carefully explored to complement the Japanese-inspired form while maintaining a quiet, considered dialogue with the restored Victorian home.

The pavilion was conceived to feel composed and grounded. Covet Ever Art Wood® Burakku Suchi-ru emerged as a natural choice, its warmth resonating with the bronze-toned roof and the project’s muted landscaping palette. The decision to specify aluminium in place of natural timber ensured visual consistency across all façades, free from the movement, weathering, and maintenance typically associated with hardwood.

This collaborative process extended into material refinement and technical resolution, with curated samples informing final selections, detailed guidance supporting installation, and battens and planks supplied cut to length to achieve a precise, seamless fit. The resulting façade benefits from straight, stable, and dimensionally accurate profiles, bringing clarity and resolution to the project’s most contemporary architectural element.

Despite the broader complexities of the build, installation of the Kabebari battens was notably efficient. Their lightness and accuracy allowed the pavilion envelope to come together with intent, reinforcing the calm, ordered architectural expression at the heart of the design.

The Athol Street Residence demonstrates a clear and confident balance between heritage restoration and contemporary design. The restored Victorian home honours its original craftsmanship, while the Japanese-inspired pavilion introduces a composed modern counterpoint, each strengthened through their deliberate coexistence.

Covet’s timber-look aluminium battens and cladding unify the project through warmth, precision, and long-term durability, reinforcing the architectural intent of the contemporary addition. The result is a residence that feels both timeless and forward-looking, shaped by thoughtful material selection and collaborative design.

Cladding Range

Ever Art Wood® timber look aluminium battens

Cladding Profile

Kabebari 40x20mm, 40x40mm and 12x100mm battens

Colour

Ever Art Wood® Burakku Suchi-ru

Surface texture

Raised, uniform lineal texture

Fire rating test results

Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0), and ASTM E84-20 (Surface burning characteristics /Class A) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1).

Fade Resistance

Exterior Grade: minimal fade after 10-12 years outdoor exposure

Cladding Reflectivity

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Burakku Suchi-ru