This project interprets the traditional decorative construction of a turn of the century terrace in a contemporary idiom. New work included raising the roofline to enable an upper level bedroom and ensuite as well as substantial alterations and extensions to the ground floor. An upper level deck is located in the centre of the house and this provides a sun trap for natural light and ventilation into the ground level entry and is flanked by 2 bedrooms which enjoy this precious private outdoor space in the tight urban environment.
On the ground level, the living area and kitchen is arranged in an “L” shape around a timber-lined courtyard. The kitchen also opens out to a covered BBQ deck with chalkboard doors. The courtyard features a timber lined seat and a purpose built concrete and timber dog kennel for the owners’ Labrador. A five-sided glass “chimney” skylight provides light and ventilation to the dramatic curved form of the ensuite and is a beacon to the street at night. Several site-specific artworks by the architect have been incorporated into the house, including a timber sculpture to the fence adjacent to the living room window seat from salvaged timber from the original roof structure, a 3D relief in the concrete planting bed and a mural to the courtyard.
The project establishes a unique sense of highly personalised place offering the owners an emotive quality through the exploration of the tactile quality of materials, light, craftsmanship and pattern making.
The project was shortlisted in the 2006 & 2007 NSW AIA Architectural Awards and 2006 Interior Design Awards. It has been featured in several leading architectural magazines including Houses Style, Vogue Living, House and Garden, Sun Herald and Artichoke.