Our intention was to design a luxury house and convert the existing terrace into a light filled and spacious modern home. A series of voids and courtyards throughout the dwelling allow for light, airflow, and a feeling of openness.

“There’s a journey down the hallway with dramatic areas of light coming in – I think it’s all about that journey through the terrace home,”

The Leichardt terrace home, in Sydney’s Inner west, has been substantially renovated to accommodate modern living for a family.

The front of the house has been tastefully restored, modest and in keeping with the charming feature of the existing period terrace façade. The internal layout has been reconfigured and added to accommodate the changing living requirements of the occupants. The renovated home consists of three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two living spaces.

“The glass comes all the way down and cuts through the void,” “I always like to have high-level openings for ventilation. The space gives you a connection to outside that goes beyond just the backyard. It’s a tight site and I think one of the biggest achievements of the project was the amount of floor area we managed to add while still feeling quite open.”

Subtle definition of the spaces making up the kitchen, Living and dining area is achieved through a change of floor levels and a sunken living. A narrow courtyard adjacent to the kitchen and dining creates a physical connection to the outside. “My work is always about this connection to the earth – I always try to ground the building as much as possible.”

The planning constraints of a narrow terrace typology are dealt with through creative sectional planning. Stepping spaces follow the topography of the site and allow for high ceilings in the rear living spaces.

Voids punched through the spaces define the various spaces while creating subtle connection between the lower and upper levels.

On entering the home, you are confronted with a light filled void and a glimpse of the garden beyond.