When the Spice Girls belt out "'cause tonight is the night when two become one" it's one of the greatest moments in '90s pop music. Meanwhile, this project which brings together two Art Deco duplex apartments into one cohesive family home is a great moment in home design!
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects transformed the Sydney 1920s-era duplex into a modern, functional home. Leaving the front in-keeping with the era of the original building, the architects have completely opened up the rear of the home to connect with the garden and pool.
A pavilion has been added to the rear of the house containing living and dining spaces which open onto the yard and pool. This large, glazed space fills the living areas with natural light and makes them feel spacious with a lush outlook.
Internally the spaces have been reconfigured and modified to include all new bathrooms, kitchen and fit-out.
What was once the lounge has been transformed into a kitchen, with the original fireplace forming the perfect place for the new oven and cooktop. This juxtaposition of old and new create beautiful moments of surprise throughout the house.
The architects have referenced the original style of the home with materials and proportions, but alterations are clearly modern. The new spaces are contemporary and light-filled, taking advantage of the era's high ceilings and generous spaces.
A stair to connect the two apartments was carved out of the original stacked bathrooms. The exposed brick uncovered in this process was painted to preserve the richness of texture, but feel light and breezy.
By retaining and reusing materials from the original building wherever possible, the architects have saved money and also retained the character of the home. This is in keeping with the philosophy that the most sustainable thing you can do is to do nothing at all. Solar floor heat, good cross ventilation and sun-shading ensure the home is comfortable year-round and minimises the need for auxiliary heating and cooling.
Coogee House sensitively combines two heritage apartments into a functional family home with respect to its heritage. Appreciation of the materials and style of the original building have created a modern home which feels old. Old and new are harmonious, ensuring the home has a sense of flow and cohesion. Two have seamlessly become one in this clever duplex transformation.