Renovated white weatherboard cottage with a new pitched-roof addition, a built Hutch Architecture home in Islington, Newcastle

Architects for
Islington, Newcastle.

Book a Free Project Consultation

We design homes across Islington — a tightly held, character-filled inner suburb of weatherboard cottages, where a sensitive renovation and a well-judged extension can turn a small cottage into a light-filled family home.

Renovating Islington's character cottages

Islington is one of Newcastle's former working-class, city-fringe suburbs, and its streets of weatherboard cottages give it a strong, consistent character. Even where a home isn't heritage-listed, that character is worth respecting — so an addition reads as a natural continuation of the cottage rather than an intrusion on the street.

Our approach uses pitched-roof forms, weatherboard and timber screening to tie new work back to the original cottage, while double-height voids, high-level glazing and operable glass open the home up to light and to the rear courtyard. We prepare the Development Application and manage it with the City of Newcastle from feasibility through to construction.

Start with a free consultation →

What we do in Islington

  • Renovations & extensions to weatherboard cottages
  • Sensitive first-floor & master-suite additions
  • Double-height voids & light-filled planning
  • Indoor–outdoor living & courtyard connection
  • Development Application & City of Newcastle liaison
  • Construction certificate & builder support to handover

Selected Islington project

A renovation and two-storey extension to a character weatherboard cottage — a home whose owners described the design as "remarkable" in its attention to detail.

Double-height void with black-steel stair and high-level glazing in a renovated Islington cottage
Built

Weatherboard cottage extension

Norfolk Avenue, Islington

A sensitive renovation and two-storey extension to a character-filled weatherboard cottage. From the street, pitched-roof forms give a clear visual reference to the existing home, while weatherboard cladding and timber screening make the addition a respectful continuation of the original cottage rather than a break from it.

Inside, a double-height void and high-level glazing draw natural light deep into the plan and connect the new master suite to the living areas below. A stepped ground floor defines the living spaces and opens them to the rear, where large expanses of operable glazing connect to the courtyard. Burnished concrete floors, crisp walls, timber mouldings and exquisite kitchen and staircase joinery give the home a refined feel that nods to the cottage's original timber detailing.

"Ed's bespoke design of our House in Islington showcases remarkable attention to detail."

— Isaac Lowe, Islington

Get started

Planning a project in Islington?

Join our 45-minute Free Project Consultation. We'll assess your cottage's potential and send a personalised one-page action plan before you commit to a design direction.

Book a Free Project Consultation

Islington — frequently asked questions

Do you renovate and extend weatherboard cottages in Islington?

Yes. Islington is full of character weatherboard cottages. We design sensitive renovations and first-floor or two-storey extensions that respect the original cottage and the streetscape while opening the home up for modern living.

Can you add a second storey without spoiling the street frontage?

Yes. We use pitched-roof forms, weatherboard cladding and timber screening so the addition reads as a natural continuation of the cottage from the street, while carefully managing overshadowing and privacy for neighbours.

Do you handle the Development Application in Islington?

Yes. We prepare the Statement of Environmental Effects and the DA documentation and manage the application with the City of Newcastle from feasibility through to construction.

What does the design process involve?

Four phases: Feasibility, Design Development, Detailed Design and Construction — each with two or three defined steps, from your first brief through to handover, with one point of contact throughout.