A renovation of a weatherboard workers cottage from 1870- a rare freestanding house in an inner city neighbourhood of Melbourne. The house was in original condition, with the entire house well overdue for repair, and the kitchen and bathroom un- salvageable. Strict heritage controls prohibited any addition that could be seen from the street fronting the house. The site was only 100 sqm, and surrounded by commercial properties, but still managed to accomodate a 3 bedroom dwelling, with small gardens, and all rooms with light and outlook. The renovation was very low budget, extracting maximum value for investment, with very simple basic fixtures and fittings. The original structure was retained, with a new kitchen, bathroom and living space added to the rear, with a low profile to be subservient to the original cottage. The exterior was clad in Cemintel Barestone- a cement sheet product- as a neutral backdrop to the weatherboard clad cottage The interior has recycled hardwood timber floorboards through the existing part of the house, and a matt sealed concrete slab in the extension. All walls are painted plasterboard, and the ceiling of the extension has exposed structural timber beams and plywood. Barestone is also used for all wet areas in bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen and bathroom are almost exclusively Ikea products- minimally customised as required.