The goal with this project was to maximise the opportunity for light and connection to the outdoors within this well-oriented heritage listed terrace.

Constructed in 1864, the existing property benefited from a North-facing sandstone paved courtyard as well as a mature rear garden. The kitchen, however, was a dark space at the back of the home and so the priority was a major redesign to achieve a layout that opens the kitchen to the North-facing side and improves connection to the rear garden.

New kitchen joinery incorporates under-stair storage, a euro laundry, kitchen appliances and a built-in seat for the dining area at the rear. An island made from a large plinth of Patagonia quartzite complements the sandy tones of the sandstone pavers found outside. Victorian Ash veneer is used for the new joinery door and drawer fronts and sprayed a green polyurethane, allowing the texture of the quarter-cut veneer to be seen in the finished product. The new Victorian Ash floorboards are light in tone to contrast with the timbers of the original home. With the addition of sliding doors that open in both directions, the finished kitchen is both practical and airy.

Carefully considered alterations elsewhere improved thermal performance of the building, increased practicality for family life and allowed daylight into existing, darker spaces for example the entrance hallway and powder room. Installed were double glazed, new Victorian Ash timber awnings over the north-facing and west-facing windows, new floor tiles and a door with reed-glazed glass to increase light penetration.

Externally, a sandstock brick seat was added to the rear terrace by way of extending the dining room and the floor was finished with crazy paving that mirrors the textures of the existing garden.

The rear of the terrace had sunken over the years so the back of house undertook major propping and underpinning work to ensure the property will last another 100 years. The double story terrace was propped while new footings were added along with the new steel structure to support the large door openings.

Finally, a new studio, positioned at the rear of the garden facing inwards, was constructed from carefully selected recycled sandstock bricks that tie in with the existing brick fences to give the illusion of the studio having always been there.

Ultimately this project was successful in creating strong connections between indoor and outdoor while being an enjoyable and collaborative process between client, architect and trades.