• Courtyards & light wells to pull daylight into the middle of the plan 
• Voids & double‑height spaces that “stack” light through levels 
• Calibrated glazing to avoid glare/heat while brightening interiors 
• Interior palettes chosen with our design team to reflect or soften light appropriately 

This architectural choreography of light makes narrow interiors feel spacious, legible and calm; It’s more effective (and efficient) than relying on ad‑hoc skylights later. 

On narrow sites, every metre matters. Wasted corridors, poorly placed stairs and fragmented rooms are the classic pitfalls that shrink a home. Our approach is to design circulation as part of the living experience:

• Short, purposeful movement paths that open to views or courtyards
• Staircases positioned as sculptural connectors, not space‑takers
• Vertical zoning separating public/retreat/service areas across levels for acoustic privacy and efficiency

The result is a home that feels larger than its footprint, with flow that supports daily life instead of fighting it.

Northcote Narrow Block Example

Hawthorn Narrow Block Example

Many narrow blocks sit within heritage overlays or character areas. That brings façade expectations, height controls, overshadowing and overlooking rules. We treat these requirements as part of the brief, not a barrier: 

• Early planning analysis and consultant input to understand what’s permissible 
• Context‑appropriate façades and material articulation that respect the street while remaining contemporary 
• Detailing for setbacks and sightlines that passes council scrutiny without sacrificing interior quality 

Because architecture, interiors and construction are integrated under one method, we resolve approvals questions early and reduce the risk of rework or delays. 

True privacy on narrow blocks isn’t achieved by frosting glass later. It’s embedded into the architecture: 

• Window placement that captures light while avoiding direct overlooking 
• Split levels, screens and courtyards used as compositional devices, not afterthoughts 
• Landscape strategy that softens boundaries and filters views without blocking daylight 
• Internal zoning so retreats remain quiet and protected while living areas stay open 

This is how you get spaces that feel secluded yet luminous—the hallmark of a refined narrow‑block home.

• Full‑service delivery (architecture + interiors + construction) for single accountability from brief to handover 
• A building cost calculator to set realistic ranges early and guide scope 
• VR visualisation to experience your home before we build—aligning expectations and streamlining approvals 

This integrated model is designed for time‑poor professionals: fewer handovers, fewer unknowns, clearer costs—and a finished home that truly reflects your lifestyle and site. 

We routinely assess both paths up‑front—linked to cost and approvals—to help you choose with confidence: 

• Consider renovation when structure is sound, changes are moderate and heritage significance is high. 
• Consider knock‑down rebuild when structural upgrades are extensive, the plan must be rethought for light/circulation, or long‑term performance (thermal/maintenance) is a priority. 

• Feasibility & planning review (overlays, setbacks, access, overshadowing) 
• Light & circulation concept (courtyards/voids, stair logic, zoning) 
• Privacy strategy (sightlines, level changes, landscape) 
• Cost & delivery clarity (calculator range, construction input, VR) 

Outcome: a concept you can visualise, cost, approve—and build. 

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