What began as an interior design brief evolved into a complete rethinking of the home.
Early in the process, it became clear that the original plans wouldn’t meet expectations. Starting from scratch, we worked through complex planning challenges and navigated a constrained site.
Located in a heritage precinct, the site presented strict height and visibility controls.
These constraints became a design opportunity. We developed a low-profile roof form that met both the client’s needs and heritage requirements—balancing modern functionality with subtlety and respect for context.
By aligning the new building with the neighbouring footprint, we avoided planning disputes and preserved the streetscape. The site’s narrow, elongated terrace posed spatial challenges, but through careful planning and strategic openings, we maximised light, flow, and spatial connectivity throughout the home.
The existing terrace—complete with its original cornicing, tuck pointing, and slate roof—was restored, and its proportions echoed throughout the renovation. At the heart of the home is the central staircase: a meeting point of old and new. Crafted from a combination of reclaimed and new timber, the staircase is open and airy, acting as both a visual anchor and a vibrant family hub.
A unique collaboration shaped this project: the owner was also the builder.
This dynamic fostered a highly engaged and responsive building process. The result is not a compromise, but a testament to craft, commitment, and collaboration—a light-filled, open home that breathes with the sea air and reflects the skill behind its making.