The brief for the alteration to this fatigue townhouse in Kirribilli in Sydney’s Northshore was to design a family home with clean, luxurious lines but retaining some warmth.
The owners wanted to extend the use of four specific areas within the relatively compact property, that were quaint but not reaching their potential; including a small sitting room, an enclosed balcony, a neglected outdoor area and a compact attic. The result was to be a super-practical design, matched to their lifestyle and habits, with quality to last.
Every cubic centimeter was explored to create a spacious series of appropriately interconnected rooms. Most spaces have a variety of different possible uses, creating a complex and rich series of crafted places. Much effort was given to locating and selectively displaying the occupants collection of treasured artefacts. The changes to the external building fabric were humble and in keeping with the existing building.
The owners are absolutely delighted with the design and build of the house. In their own words:
“It’s a complete joy to live in, luxurious, but simple at the same time. We use every single square centimetre of the place, which was one of the guiding design goals, and hence worth the investment to convert all of that space to new uses. It’s a great deal more than ‘very liveable’
There are several personal highlights, such as the integration of the outdoor space into the design with its beautiful tree, concrete furniture and planting. The way the lounge room and fireplace create a protected space with raised views. The kitchen with areas for seating, the master ensuite with amazing light and protected views into the trees, the new skylight over the stairs with a view of sky and ever changing colours of the foliage are a few of them.”
