This renovation and extension of a Federation terrace focuses on a grand and gracefully spiralling stair that forms the pivotal junction of old and new. The original front half was restored whilst the rear section is a contemporary, light-filled environment that opens onto a minimal terraced garden over a double garage. The transition from indoors to outdoors occurs seamlessly, via a 13m column glass wall.
Expand ContentThe staircase, spanning the width of the building, features delicate fan-like steel treads cantilevered from the central steel post and winding their way past six split levels, offset between the old and new sides of the house. The stair was conceived as the element that grafts the contemporary and new minimal structure to the refined, trimmed and formal older portion of the dwelling.
The house is effectively a series of complex, interdependent spaces comprised of confident forms and exquisite detail. Certain rooms can be transformed to house multiple guests. The study becomes a secluded guest room at the drawing of a sweeping curtain; and a secret door concealed in joinery provides privacy for twin guest bedrooms, divided by a cylindrical bathroom.
The whole contemporary addition has white walls and ceilings and a blackened timber joinery wall that runs front to back on all levels. A grey Travertine floor and island bar, along with Corian joinery enhance the streamlined, monochrome mood of this contemporary section of the house.
The older part embraces colour in a pared-down austere Classical style with deep, flush skirting boards, paneled doors and wide timber floorboards finished gloss white paint. The different colours used in each room respond to the aspect of each area behind the brick façade.
A joinery pod in the master suite houses an exquisite walk-through robe, lavish bathroom and stairway through to an attic retreat. The original master suite had a palette of soft lilac and crisp whites. These colours were retained and elements were added to increase.
This house offers extraordinary spaces complemented by confident forms, understated design and exquisite detail.
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architecture from the inside out
