An Inner West Sydney terrace on a tight 134 metre-square block has been transformed into a light-filled three-level family home. Building on the solid foundations of an early 20th Century residence, Tass Construction Group have delivered a perfectly designed home for a young family in the 21st Century.
“Our Leichhardt terrace project stands as a testament to the fusion of heritage charm and modern sophistication, breathing new life into a stately Victorian terrace house,” said Ben Tass, co-founder of Tass Construction Group. “Guided by the client’s vision to maximise space and light within the confines of a narrow site, our design journey was marked by ingenuity and a deep respect for architectural heritage to deliver a bright and delightfully textured home.”
Central to their client’s vision was the creation of a luminous sanctuary featuring an open plan kitchen, living, and dining space which seamlessly connects with the outdoors, infusing the interiors with an abundance of natural light. Renovation of the existing ground and first floor spaces was complemented by ground floor and first floor extensions and repurposing the attic to complete the project.
Full-height sliding doors maximise light and connect the courtyard and garden with the living room. This natural light-filled space at the rear of the home is enhanced by a custom glass roof over the dining table, while five skylights installed further throughout the property help illuminate hallways, bathrooms and living spaces. “Natural light is a precious commodity in traditional terraced houses and these strategically placed skylights brighten every corner,” said Ben.
The home effortlesly showcases the terrace’s historic feaures while presenting a modern design. Render from the existing partition wall was stripped, revealing majestic original brickwork which was tidied, sealed and then highlighted with recessed LED strip lighting in the shadow line of the cornice detailing. “It really tells a story of the home and ties the new into the old perfectly,” said Ben, noting the splayed external façade details at the rear of the property add a modern touch to a traditionally rectangular space.
Textured curves catch the eye in different parts of the home, adding a further modern touch. A curved kitchen island feature is complemented by the curved staircase (which cleverly hides the laundry), curved legs on the dining table, and a captivating curved wall in the renovated ground floor bathroom.
Ascending the stairs, an inviting second living space on the first floor has been carved from the original floor space, with a new bathroom and master bedroom created at the rear. From the first floor, a new staircase leads to the attic which was repurposed into a loft, perfect for a fourth bedroom or study. Light and space is amplified by the loft’s half height wall which maximises light from the large skylight.
A renovation and extension of a narrow historical terrace had its design and construction challenges, yet the final result is testament to the transformative power of design. From the light-filled spaces to original wall textures and curved components, every element speaks to the allure of creating spaces which conjure connections between past and present.
