Old New Meets

A 100-year-old terrace in Sydney has been transformed into a modern, light-filled residence, all while paying homage to its original heritage

- Lauren Powell

Floor play Oak Botany engineered timber flooring from Havwoods fits the minimalist brief in this Sydney home. The living room includes a Derlot ‘QTZ’ lounge chair from Living Edge, Le Klint ‘Arc Nordic’ floor lamp from Great Dane Furniture, side table from Hub Furniture and artwork by Maxim Wakultschik from .M Contemporary. Photo finish Rockcote ‘Marrakesh’, a traditional lime plaster, has been applied as a render to the bathroom walls (opposite).

WHEN SYDNEY-BASED interior architecture firm TomMarkHenry was approached by a Melbourne-based family of four to transform their Victorian terrace in Darlinghurst into a modern, minimalistic home, they knew it would be one of their most rewarding projects to date. While the property was derelict, it had huge potential thanks to its Victorian-style structure and original heritage features. “We wanted to preserve its 100-year-old architectural imprint and add a contemporary feel, which required careful mediation,” says Cushla McFadden, director at TomMarkHenry.

LET THERE BE LIGHT The front of the home only needed a minor face lift, however, the rear of the property was a different story, requiring a complete rebuild due to its rundown state. Inside, an old breezeway on the ground floor was used to form a larger, open-plan kitchen and dining room, with a four-metre skylight installed above to flood the space with natural light. “There is plenty of space around the dining table and living room, giving the family everything they need to entertain,” Cushla says. Meanwhile, a once split-level space upstairs is now two individual levels, connected via a black-stained timber staircase. The bedrooms reside here, complete with walk-in wardrobes and plenty of storage.