The renovation and re-articulation of this 1930s semi-detached cottage on Sydney’s lower North Shore focused on shifting attention away from the compromised arcing corner frontage to an extended side entrance. This metal-clad lateral extension effectively reconfigures the interior flow of the dwelling whilst minimising the alterations to internal walls.

The new significance of the side plane is emphasised by a suite of varying brickwork from different eras – beginning with the original Bowral Blue bricks ironically reserved for the front of this exposed corner structure. These historical layers are eventually iterated in a contemporary slim black brick to indicate the new ceremonial front entrance. Idiomatic timber battens and panels are refurbished under the shallow eaves, wrapping around the old front corner and visually book-ending the home with the standing seam zinc cladding on the rear addition.

Extensive landscaping is scheduled for the revived front garden which, despite the high level of activity around the corner site, allows a haven of green in a vibrant Sydney suburb.