Most Popular House Renovations of 2025

From major demolitions to delicate restorations, renovations can be daunting. However, the right inspiration makes all the difference, and this year, the CO-architecture community gravitated towards projects that reimagined homes with clarity, care and creativity. We have curated our most-loved renovations shared on the platform in 2025, showcasing thoughtful extensions, sensitive heritage updates and transformative design overhauls by some of Australia's most talented architects and designers.

MAUD by Mancini Made

Strategic internal restructuring and careful external additions transformed this Balwyn North property from a modest, red brick residence into a functional and balanced family home. It was integral to both the clients and Mancini Made that this renovation respected the heritage-rich character of the streetscape, whilst still achieving a harmonious balance between the surrounds and contemporary living requirements. The renovation focused largely on the integration of smart material choices; the charcoal vertical cladding that differentiates the old from the new. The kitchen is the heart of the home, marrying deep, rich timber tones alongside crisp, off-whites, whilst recycled red brick elements are woven throughout the landscaping as a homage to the home's original materiality.

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237 York Street, South Melbourne by Plico Design Studio

As one of the oldest remaining residential buildings in South Melbourne, 237 York Street represents an incredible and diverse history. Home to many generations of many nationalities, the home is a testament to the multiculturism of Melbourne post-goldrush. Plico Design Studio set out to adapt the 1860's home to the demands of 21st urban living, whilst maintaining and celebrating its heritage features. The original façade and roof of the home were retained, as well as doors, windows and chimney. The renovation was inspired and informed by the home's history of the local working and artisan class; artfully blending recycled timber and brick and maintaining the small 140sqm footprint out of respect for the home's origins. Through the addition of skylights, insulation, a rainwater tank and a central courtyard, the home is ushered into the 21st century whilst still focusing on sustainability.

See more of 237 York Street, South Melbourne by Plico Design Studio.

Salmon House by True Story

Salmon House by True Story oversees the careful and delightful renovation of a three-story residence, set atop Northcote's Ruckers Hill. Guided by instinct and sense, the home traverses it's many levels and spaces to create pockets of connection, of reflection, and of solitude. The home capitalises upon it's highly visible position, emerging as a powerful structure compose of brickwork, glass, concrete, stucco and timber. Carefully designed spaces encourage family and friends to spend extended periods of time together and foster connections, whilst pockets of privacy and relief are realised through spaces such as the library, which offer quiet. Outside, the swimming pool and pool house encourage connectivity and fun. The home is a sensory experience that incorporates a myriad of materials to create a residence which is enticing, exciting - and when the time calls for it - relaxing.

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Ormond House by Telha Clarke

A Californian bungalow in Melbourne is transformed into a contemporary Australian family home under the guardianship of Telha Clarke. With a vision to create a family style home, that offered retreat style living, and offered complete and total privacy from neighbouring properties. The home's renovation was inspired by the clients love for traditional modernist design, and so the team at Telha Clarke incorporated a warm, durable and rich material palette, that could enhance the space whilst enduring the demands of everyday life. Many materials were thoughtfully upcycled from existing materials in order to honours the homes heritage. The residence adopts a pavilion form, running alongside dense foliage, to increase the homes footprint for a growing family, whilst ensuring privacy and seclusion from the surrounding streetscape.

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Rosie by Eckersley Architects

Rosie is the thoughtful renovation and extension of a historic Victorian weatherboard by Eckersley Architects. Located in Ascot Vale in Melbourne, the original structure was suffering under the weight of poor construction and layout, dim lighting and a disconnect between the interior and exterior. The design carried out by Eckersley aimed to prioritise thermal efficiency, natural light and connection to the backyard, focusing on both the current and future needs of the growing family who resided there. The result is a home which harmoniously balances the traditional, heritage charm of the property, whilst maximising upon functionality and spaciousness, offering contemporary luxuries to a growing family. The home features three bedrooms, study, open-plan kitchen, garden, north-facing roof terrace, a master bedroom suite and a compact yet functional storage area with sunken outdoor entertainment zone.

See more of Rosie by Eckersley Architects.