PADDINGTON TERRACE HOUSE
PADDINGTON, SYDNEY

A four-story terrace in Paddington, Sydney, has been turned into a practical and elegant home to introduce more natural light into the confined space. The basement consists of a family room, WC, laundry and private office, as well as the entrance to the rear courtyard. The ground level holds the living room, kitchen and dining area. The secluded master bedroom and ensuite are reached by mounting a mid-sized contemporary timber staircase with painted white gloss risers and black powder-coated aluminium railing. A prominent skylight strategically placed in the open attic level lures residents up to the compact study, master bedroom with ensuite, and sitting area. The balconies were left in their original positions to allow as much light as possible into the back area.

With a cool neutral colour scheme and a hint of simplicity, this delightful four-storey house has a beach house atmosphere. In the private office on the basement level, the fitted desk with the stylish swivel chair sweeps over the top of a unique trash can, which matches the bookshelves. A few subtle monochrome prints decorate the wall on the right, and a designer table lamp adorns the worktop. The TV wall in the family room has a grey veined white marble backdrop. Wainscoting decorates the adjacent wall. Even though both walls are white, these small additions add lots of interest. Unique planters stuffed with colourful greenery give this lovely hallway a tropical feel. There is a separate WC and laundry off the hallway.

On the ground floor, a cosy faux sheepskin rug and strewn throws instantly send a message of “kick your shoes off at the door and prepare to get cosy.” A sunshine yellow cushion pads the rattan chairs, making up a perfectly light and comfortable reading spots. Behind the white sofa, the living room opens up into a dining room and good-sized kitchen.

PROJECT

Paddington Terrace House

LOCATION

166 Paddington Street, Paddington, Sydney

YEAR

2020

CLIENT REQUIREMENTS

Transform an existing residential terrace house into a double-storey building that facilitates an open plan layout whilst maintaining the historical heritage of the building within the design
Natural lighting
Hardwood floors
Outdoor living areas
Quality built-ins, joinery and laundry
Good circulation and well-proportioned spaces
Master bedroom, wardrobe and ensuite
Warm paint colours
Layered rugs
Textural elements

SOFTWARE + SKILLS

Research
Materiality
Mood Board
Sketching
Design Thinking
Concept Development
Spatial Planning
2D Documentation
AutoCAD

The natural wood grain of the kitchen cabinets melds smoothly with the timber laminate flooring and the adjacent dining table. Open kitchen shelving provides easy access. Chrome appliances add in a little modern sheen.

The same wood laminate flooring threads throughout the house, uniting living spaces to hallways and bedrooms. Many elements of the living room design are echoed in the master bedroom. The modern floor lamp works as mood lighting here too. The wardrobe utilises the same wood effect finish as the kitchen cabinets. The ensuite can be accessed directly from the walkway into the master bedroom. A timber-framed mirror complements a linear wooden vanity design. Grey and white mosaic tiles texture the backsplash and plain white counterparts coat the walls. An open archway on the left side leads into an outdoor balcony and lets natural daylight flow through.

In the attic lounge area, the modern coffee table and the group of high impact orb-shaped chandeliers make a stunning central focal point. Oak flooring runs seamlessly from the lounge area into the master bedroom, forming quiet cohesion. With a casual wardrobe, this white bedroom manages to cultivate a bohemian casualness without even a peek at the electric colours usually associated with that style. A wooden headboard wall warms up this bedroom scheme. A swing arm wall lamp extends from the fitted units, lighting a small bedside table. This attic bedroom makes up for its somewhat small windows with plenty of light timber and white walls and ceiling to open up the space, no matter what time of day.

This all-white interior design spans the entire terrace house, making the attic level in-keeping with the ground floor and basement floor.

SITE LOCATION
PADDINGTON, SYDNEY

Exclusively positioned on Paddington's premier street, this tri-level Victorian terrace offers an exceptional opportunity to restore or recreate to suit. Set amid prestigious family homes on a wide, tree-lined street, it features a prized northeast-facing rear aspect with rear lane access to a large lock-up garage.

Featuring sweeping elevated district views from the upper level, it presents a superb canvas to update or reconfigure with a vast basement level offering scope to further develop. Features include open plan living and dining lead out to an entertaining deck, and double bedrooms, one with a sunroom, and 2 opening to a balcony.

CLIENT
SIR RICHARD BRANSON

PRECEDENT 1
COURTYARD HOUSE BY FIGR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

The Courtyard House is a nod to the tradition of the Italian Palazzo and Australian courtyard house, creating a constant connection between outdoor and indoor spaces. The house is divided into three landscaped zones: the front yard, the courtyard and the rear yard. This tranquil, calm space has an intimate connection with the interior spaces of the house which reveal themselves from various angles.

Further negotiation of the landscape and nature is achieved through the material palette. The internal timber batten ceiling not only guides and navigates visitors through the spaces, but also creates a dramatic juxtaposition to the white concrete flooring. Elongated brown bricks were used respectfully integrate the exterior fabric of the surrounding context of Templestowe and a further play on the horizontal nature of the built form proportions.

PRECEDENT 2
GLOW HOUSE BY RUUM

Suited to a variety of locations including inner-city living, this home maximises space while occupying a smaller footprint. Glow House draws light into the central core of this space with a dramatic translucent lightwell over the staircase and a double-height void above the dining area.

Comprised of three bedrooms, a study and two living spaces this house delivers moments of delight with its feature lightwell. A living area bathed in natural light offers opportunities for reflection and repose with a strong connection to outdoor areas and an emphasis on framed views.