After an extensive and stylish renovation, the Higgins family decided they needed a roof that matched their new home
Melbourne couple, Jen and Brad Higgins, knows renovation. So, when they spotted a rundown post-war timber cottage in Heidelberg, they could see its potential. The house was built in the 1950s and although it was structurally sound, it was outdated. The couple has three-year-old twin girls and were keen to turn the house into their forever family home.
“It had an old kitchen and brick tiles on the floor,” Jen says. “It was horrific. We ripped up the floors in the lounge and dining; the laundry; opened the space up; we built a butler’s pantry; changed the zoning of the bathrooms and we created an ensuite for the master”.
After six months of intense renovation, that’s when they decided it was
time to tackle the roof. “The roof had not been updated since it was built in the 50s,” Jen explains. “The cement tiles were clearly decaying and the roof’s colour and quality had worn and it did not look good.
“The old tiles were covered in dirt and mould and hadn’t been maintained – it was horrible.” “We had done a lot of work internally and externally while the renovation and the roof was really bringing down the look of our house. It was kind of just this ugly thing that stuck out. So we decided to invest in a good-looking black tiled roof.”
Jen and Brad chose Monier’s Nouveau terracotta tiles in Titan, which are incredibly long-lasting. They also have a 50-year warranty and their colour will never fade which will ensure the remain of a good look. The tiles were a nice touch to the roof and they were locally made in Melbourne.
“We did consider steel as a roofing option, but we thought it just wouldn’t work with the look of the house and we didn’t want to see the wearing and colour fading like we did with the old roof” Jen said.
Brad’s brother runs Higgins Roofing, so they had access to great tilers, which also helped in the decision making. “The Higgins Roofing tiles guys checked for structural defects and anything that did need to be upgraded and they looked at replacing all the sarking,” Jen adds, an addition which helped to insulate the house.
Get the look: A modern touch
- Implementing a modern palette: Look to implementing a modern palette. Jen and Brad went with a striking monotone colour scheme with charcoal coloured paint on their weatherboard home, offset with crisp white trims.
- Striking front entrance: Jen wanted to have a striking front entrance and loves her new front door – the Carringbush, from Hume Doors and Timber (humedoors.com.au). “It’s a gorgeous front door,” she says. “It’s white with black handles and in a period style; beautiful.”
- Classic roof tiles: The Noveau terracotta tiles chosen by the Higgins family have a traditional profile that complements the period of the house and showcase the intense colour that Jen wanted.
- Plantation shutters: These classically styled window coverings from Luxaflex (luxaflex.com.au), work well with period homes, but still add a modern touch.
- Use greenery for contrast: Evergreen planting against the dark exterior creates a striking contrast that makes a statement.