Harrris House

Gunditjmara and Peek Whurrong,
Warrnambool,
VIC
This home will be open for in-person tours on the 17th May 2026

About this home

This dilapidated 1910 Victorian weatherboard home has been reimagined through a restoration and extension driven by environmental performance and long term comfort. The project set out to recover the home’s original character which was largely obscured by an unsympathetic 1970s alteration, while transforming it into a resilient, all electric, low energy dwelling.
In South Warrnambool’s historic seaside context, we carefully stripped back layers of deterioration to rebuild the original four rooms with significantly improved thermal performance. Upgraded insulation, high performance windows and airtight construction elevate the heritage fabric to contemporary efficiency standards without compromising its charm.
The new rear extension forms a warm, light filled living environment comprising kitchen, dining, living, Bedroom, bathroom and laundry. The plan is compact and efficient, oriented for passive solar gain and protected with appropriate shading. The landscape design threads greenery through the home, with garden courtyards connected to the bathroom and ensuite to enhance daylight, ventilation and biophilic comfort.
Sustainability is embedded throughout: an all electric services strategy, high level insulation, thermal bridge free detailing, airtight and draft proof windows and doors and careful material selection all work together to deliver a home that is not only beautiful, but genuinely high performing and future ready.

Q & A

What motivated you to build or retrofit sustainably?
Mainly comfort but essentially futureproofing for a changing climate
The added insulation and high performance windows. This allows a stable temperature year-round with minimal bills. Lifestyle wise, visual connection to the garden blurring the lines of inside and out is a key driver of the home's design.
Floor tile selection - very hard to clean and maintain :(
The extension was the result of a rigorous and highly considered design process, and it has delivered exactly what we set out to achieve. As both architect and occupant, I can say we have no desire for further upgrades as the brief was met with clarity, care and completeness. The finished spaces continue to serve our family exceptionally well
Back to 2026 Homes
Type: Standalone house/townhouse
Project: Renovation or extension
Architect: Lane Architects
Designer: Lane Architects
Builder: JLP Construction
Size: 190m²
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2

Sustainability Features

Building Materials & Envelope

Draught-proofing/air sealing
High-performance insulation
Double or triple-glazed windows
Sustainable or low-impact materials
Recycled or reused materials

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Passive heating/cooling (north-facing glazing, cross ventilation, thermal mass, shading, etc.)
Heat pump (reverse-cycle) heating/cooling

Energy and Appliances

Rooftop solar PV
Dedicated wall-mounted EV charging
Efficient lighting (LED, daylighting, solar skylights)
Heat pump hot water
Electric cooktop - induction/ceramic
Other energy-efficient appliances

Water & Waste Systems

Water-efficient fixtures
Rainwater tanks

Landscape & Biodiversity

Native garden
Wildlife-supporting habitat

Climate Resilience

Heatwave

Accessible & Flexible Design Features

Design for flexible use
Design for multigenerational living or dual occupancy
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