This renovation and extension of a Federation terrace focuses on a grand and gracefully spiralling stair that forms the pivotal junction between old and new. The original front half was restored while the rear section is a three-storey, contemporary, light-filled building that opens onto a minimal terraced garden over a double garage. The transition from indoors to outdoors occurs seamlessly, via a thirteen-metre column-free 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 new contemporary structure to the 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; a secret door concealed in joinery provides privacy for twin guest bedrooms, divided by a cylindrical bathroom.
Defining the whole contemporary addition is the sharp contrast of white walls and ceilings, with 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 the extension.
The older part embraces colour in a pared down classical style, with tall skirting boards, panelled doors and wide timber floorboards finished in gloss white paint. The different colours used in each room respond to the aspect of each area behind the brick façade. The formal sitting room, for example, boasts blood red walls that transform an otherwise dark room into a rich, warm space for watching TV and winter fires. The primary suite has soft lilac walls to embrace its southern orientation, a joinery pod housing an elegant walk-through robe, lavish bathroom and stairway through to a private attic retreat.
This house offers extraordinary spaces complemented by confident forms, understated design and exquisite detail.
2012 Winner AIA NSW Architecture Award Interior Architecture
2012 Winner Australian Interior Design Award Best Residential
2012 Winner Australian Interior Design Award Design
2012 Winner Belle Coco Republic Award Best Colour in Residential
2012 Commendation AIA NSW Architecture Award Best Residential Interior Houses
