A Rare Survivor
As the owner of 5 Tranmere St, Fitzroy North for the past 18 years, and having a retired patent and trademark attorney father, I have a deep love and passion for my very unique, historic, and beautiful home. - Hayden, Owner since 2007
Highly significant for scientific and technical reasons... The only known example of an Elford Patent Portable House in Victoria. - Prof. Miles Lewis (AM, FAHA, FRSA) REF: mileslewis.net
California Redwood in Melbourne
Originally imported from the USA, this is one of a very limited number of rare Elford Patent Portable Redwood homes that still survives today. Located at 5 Tranmere Street, Fitzroy North, this particular example was in need of immediate sympathetic restoration when purchased in November 2007.
The property rests on a substantial 230 square metre block of land and is positioned in the heart of Fitzroy North, moments from St Georges Road, Edinburgh Gardens, and Brunswick Street. The house comprises 2 double bedrooms and a large living room, and originally had an external bathroom and kitchen.
The Elford Patent: Ingenious Design
The Elford Patent Portable House (US Patent 323,030, July 28, 1885) represents 19th-century prefabricated architecture at its finest.
Key Innovations
- Tongue-and-groove board construction with posts for easy assembly
- Numbered pieces allowing unskilled labor to construct the building
- Californian redwood timber throughout
- Innovative ventilation and shrinkage accommodation systems
Figure 1 of the patent illustrates a side elevation of a three-room house.
The Restoration: A Labor of Love
As the owner-builder, I undertook the restoration of 5 Tranmere Street with a passion for preserving its unique heritage. The goal was to restore the house as close as practicable to its original Elford Patent design while ensuring it meets modern living standards.
The restoration process revealed the extent of the house's deterioration but also the enduring quality of Elford's original construction.
The Restoration Journey
Phase 1: The Starting Point
Purchased 2007 - Extensive deterioration with floors rotted through to earth in front rooms
Phase 2: Deconstruction & Replication
Careful removal and documentation of original materials, replicating components guided by patent specifications
Phase 3: Modern Structure & Completion
Code-compliant internal frame with Passivhaus-inspired insulation, exterior restoration, and modern finishes
Challenges
- Preserving and restoring the original tongue-and-groove construction
- Building a new, code-compliant internal frame within the original structure
- Upgrading electrical, plumbing, and structural elements
- Sourcing or replicating period-appropriate materials
Solutions
- Meticulous repair of original materials where practicable
- Careful replication of missing or unusable elements
- Innovative integration of modern systems
- Hidden structural upgrades maintaining exterior authenticity
Final
The façade after restoration
Restoration Approach
The restoration focused on:
- Preserving as much of the original fabric of the house as practicable
- Accurately recreating missing or damaged elements guided by the Elford Patent specifications
- Passive house (Passivhaus) principles implemented where possible
- Ensuring the house is structurally sound and safe for modern living
The reconstruction of boards, posts, and structural elements was guided by the original patent specifications. A new internal frame was built to current building code requirements while preserving and restoring the historic exterior as close as practicable to the original design.
Significance
Heritage Recognition
Heritage Overlay HO327 - Recognized by the City of Yarra as "Individually Significant" for historical and architectural importance.
View Victoria Heritage Database
Only 3 Known Examples Remaining in Australia - Nomination for Victorian Heritage Register currently under consideration.
History Victoria World Heritage Proposal
History: From Patent to Preservation
The history of 5 Tranmere Street is intertwined with the development of Fitzroy North. This summary comes from census data and research at the State Library of Victoria.
1872 - First Records
First record of Tranmere St in Rates (pre-dates 1885 Elford Patent)
Rates: Elliott, Thomas - Wood house - 4 Rooms
1883 - Elford Houses Arrive in Melbourne
A Melbourne firm offered at auction a number of Elford's Patent Portable Houses. They were described as consisting of three rooms, measuring 20 by 24 feet (6×7.2m), made mainly of Californian redwood, with pieces numbered for assembly by unskilled labor.
1884 - New Owner
Rates: Crabtree, Charles - Wood house - 3 Rooms
Research suggests John Ryrie bought an American-made redwood building from George King & Co of Sydney for £100, erecting it at his Maffra property in March-April 1884.
1963 - Modifications
Renovations and alterations - Permit #6102
2007 - Current Ownership Begins
Property purchased in November 2007, initiating restoration project.
2023 - Restoration Completed
Comprehensive restoration project completed, preserving this rare example of prefabricated architecture for future generations.
Elford Houses in Australia
Elford Patent Portable Houses were imported from the USA in the late 19th century. These houses were notable for their prefabricated design, intended for easy transport and assembly.
Another example can be found in Orange, NSW: Emmaville Cottage
Melbourne History
For more context on Melbourne's history during this period: Encyclopedia of Melbourne | National Library Archive
Fitzroy North: A Historic Setting
5 Tranmere Street is located in the vibrant and historic suburb of Fitzroy North.
The area is known for its proximity to St Georges Road, Edinburgh Gardens, and Brunswick Street, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and urban living.
The property is subject to Heritage Overlay HO327, which recognizes its significance and guides its preservation.
Contact
"The Elford, Patent Portable Kit Home" is privately owned and maintained by Hayden, and he welcomes your questions, feedback, and appreciation for the restoration of this unique home.
Email: [email protected]