Abode Restoration

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Abode Restoration

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A boutique building company, engaging in bespoke projects, specializing in the conservation of our h

Founded by Tom Carson (formerly Director of Heritage Building Services) and Soma Giovannini, Abode Restoration are committed to providing the highest possible standards in the maintenance, preservation and conservation of our residential and commercial built environment. Based in the CBD, supported by a dynamic and energizing team, the company brings a breadth of experience to any restoration project. Finding the right solutions to most repair problems, by drawing on over 39 years’ experience and working with a wide range of practicing artisans and craftsmen. We are passionately dedicated to providing and successfully delivering the highest possible standards in the preservation of our residential and commercial built environment. Our team consists of experienced project managers, site supervisors and specialist trades people, to ensure our high standards are adhered to and expectations are met. We offer practical restoration advice and specialise in all manner of restoration repair and replacement work, as well as building appraisals, condition surveys and budget forecasts. The Abode Restoration Team work collaboratively with clients to find intelligent, creative, cost-effective solutions that respond to client ambitions, site constraints and statutory requirements. We are passionate about preserving our heritage and the skills and trades that created it. SECTORS-

• Cultural
• Education
• Hospitality
• Places of Worship
• Public
• Residential
• Workplace & Retail

24/10/2026

Working with heritage requires more than an appreciation of age. It requires an understanding of original materials, construction methods, previous alterations and the significance of what remains.

The finest restoration work does not compete with the original building. Every intervention is materially compatible, precisely executed and entirely at home within the architecture.

21/10/2026

TOM + SOMA | OWNERS

Meet Tom and Soma, the people behind Abode Restoration, pictured in the dining room of one of Abode’s earliest renovation projects: their own home.

Featured in The Age article, ‘The House That Grew’, the home reflects an approach that continues to guide their work today.

As heritage restorers, Tom and Soma believe in preserving the beauty and character created over time, rather than simply replicating the past. Throughout their home, old and new sit comfortably together, creating the sense that it has evolved naturally from one chapter to the next.

In collaboration with , photographed by and styled and written by

18/10/2026

CLUNES TOWN HALL | COMMERCIAL

Restoring the façade of Clunes Town Hall began below ground.

Before the visible restoration could take place, the badly cracked front façade first needed to be stabilised.

The initial stage of works for Hepburn Shire Council involved underpinning the structure to address the movement and provide a sound foundation for the restoration to follow.

A year later, our team returned to complete the second stage, restoring the façade and undertaking repairs to the roof.

The works were led by Project Manager Tom Madden, with solid plastering completed by David Nygaard.

Photography:

15/10/2026

VINITHA CHALLA | COMMERCIAL ADMINISTRATOR, VICTORIA + TASMANIA

With a Master’s in Construction Management, Vinitha plays an important role across our projects from tender through to completion - coordinating documentation, subcontractors and suppliers, while keeping a close eye on progress and project budgets.

Since joining Abode, Vinitha has developed a strong understanding of heritage restoration and particularly enjoys the problem-solving it demands.

With no two projects quite the same, her work requires precision, adaptability and the ability to find practical solutions when unexpected conditions are uncovered.

One of her most interesting experiences to date has been working on the restoration of ruins, while estimating is an area she believes demands particular care and precision.

Vinitha is most proud of how much her knowledge of heritage restoration and construction has grown during her time with Abode.

13/10/2026

HAINES STREET | RESIDENTIAL

Rarely do you find a patina this beautiful on such a humble Victorian terrace.

When we restored this house, there was never any question of painting over it. Instead, we repaired the render only where necessary, carefully blending the new work with the old, while repainting elements such as the timber eaves and windows where protection was needed.

This project also marked our first collaboration with interior designer Carole Whiting, the beginning of a design relationship that has continued across many projects since.

The brief was modest - a timeless, informal home that respected its Victorian character while working effortlessly for contemporary life.

To this day, we consider it one of the most beautiful homes we have had the privilege to work on.

Photography

08/10/2026

SWALLOW HOUSE | RESIDENTIAL

A Victorian terrace shaped by the owners’ Portuguese heritage and their appreciation for traditional French and English interiors.

The inner-city residence was opened up and reworked in collaboration with interior designer Carole Whiting and project manager Chris Lipp, creating a home rich in architectural detail and personal character.

In the master bedroom, an arched wall detail frames Coordonné’s Meihua mural, its blue-and-white pattern referencing traditional Portuguese tiles. A bespoke handmade linen headboard and Puck wall lights by Vibia complete the restrained palette.

The level of detail throughout the project called for specialist craftsmanship, with head carpenters Rhys Mills and Sjoerd De Jong working alongside Jesse Williams on the carpentry and Kinda Bhullar on the solid plasterwork.

Photography .lovel

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06/10/2026

CRAFTSMANSHIP | HERITAGE CARPENTRY

GOLLAN HOUSE, ULVERSTONE.

Restoration is as much about the hand of the craftsperson as the finished result.

At Gollan House in Tasmania, our carpenter Lewis Allen is carefully repairing the heritage sash and casement windows.
Using traditional hand tools allows him to remove material gradually, follow the grain and make precise adjustments according to the condition and character of each piece.

It is patient, considered work, focused on retaining as much original timber as possible while restoring the function and extending the life of these important details.

This is at the heart of heritage restoration. Not making everything new, but using skill and judgement to preserve the building’s original fabric and the evidence of its past.

Craftsperson
Photography

03/10/2026

THE STABLES | RESIDENTIAL

We completed the conversion of a former North Melbourne stable into a compact, highly functional home in collaboration with designer Carole Whiting.

Working within the existing envelope, the project focused on bespoke joinery, efficient storage, and a refined use of colour, while retaining original features to preserve its heritage character.

The owners cherished artwork inspired the palette, with green defining the ground floor and terracotta bringing warmth to the stairwell and upper level.

Chris Lipp managed the project, Heath Jerald and Rhys Mills undertook the carpentry works.

Photography

29/09/2026

EURAMBEEN EAST HOMESTEAD | RESIDENTIAL

Currently under complete restoration, Eurambeen East Homestead is being carefully renewed to preserve its heritage and character while adapting the interiors for contemporary living.

Works include new kitchen and bathrooms, restoration and finishing of the original verandah, new flooring and electrical throughout, stone repointing and solid plastering.

The project is led by Project Manager Chris Lipp, with Steven Perkins as Site Foreman and Matt Smith as Head Carpenter, working alongside Russell Barrett Architects.

26/09/2026

FOOTSCRAY TOWN HALL | COMMERCIAL
Restoration works at the historic Footscray Town Hall included render and crack repairs, restoration of the fibrous plaster vaulted ceiling, repairs to the faience columns and final painting.

Our client was Maribyrnong City Council.

Pictured is the beautifully restored faience of the portico.

The Project Manager was Tom Carson.

Solid Plaster Repairs were undertaken by Simon Nygaard, Faience Restoration works were by Jura Stanek

Photography:

Address

North Melbourne, VIC
3051

Telephone

+61405847147

Website

http://www.aboderestoration.com/

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