1970s Terrazzo Treasure

Wurundjeri Country,
Ascot Vale,
VIC
This home will be open for in-person tours on the 17th May 2026

About this home

This inner city unit was built in 1971 in a block of six. Generous proportions and Italianate features make it an affordable Terrazzo Treasure in a well connected location and we have spent the last few years updating the interiors and features with an aim to make it more comfortable, healthy, sustainable and cheaper to run.

Key features include: native garden, worm farm and compost, herb garden, heat pump hot water, split system heating and cooling, induction cook top, retrofit double glazing, new uPVC frame double glazing, sensitive bathroom renovation and light touch kitchen 'uplift'.

Discussion points include: electrical challenges and solutions, achieving all-electric savings with no solar, noise and comfort with double glazing, small space renovation design, west side window shading, and a wok cooking solution.

This unit is an example of how great sustainability, liveability, and affordability solutions can be achieved through medium-density housing in our cities.

Q & A

What motivated you to build or retrofit sustainably?
Comfort (summer cooling, winter heating and outside noise), indoor health and superiority of new electric appliances compared to old gas appliances, valuing in existing building stock.
Double glazing made the biggest difference. It greatly reduced indoor noise and winter condensation and improved sense of privacy and security in an apartment context. The double glazing also greatly improved effectiveness of split system heating/cooling and drought proofing.
Not all trades people are knowledgable in sustainable building and design factors. As an example, one electrician originally told us that it would be impossible to install induction in our unit. We're glad we didn't take no for an answer and searched for a knowledgeable electrician who could meet our needs and find a solution, particularly to wiring challenges.
Full kitchen renovation with quiet, back-draft sealed extraction fan!
Back to 2026 Homes
Type: Apartment/flat
Project: Gradual upgrades over time
Size: 70m²
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2

Sustainability Features

Building Materials & Envelope

Draught-proofing/air sealing
Double or triple-glazed windows
Sustainable or low-impact 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

Heat pump hot water
Electric cooktop - induction/ceramic
Other energy-efficient appliances

Water & Waste Systems

Water-efficient fixtures

Landscape & Biodiversity

Native garden
Edible garden
Wildlife-supporting habitat

Climate Resilience

Heatwave

Accessible & Flexible Design Features

Design for flexible use
Share this home:

Related Homes

Home tours delivered to your inbox

Step inside sustainable homes across Australia and get practical ideas you can use in your own