Nestled within a row of classic Sydney terraces, this Darlington home was ready for a transformation. Burdened by unsympathetic additions and the wear of time, the two-storey dwelling presented a unique challenge for David Parsons at Sydney-based architectural firm, David Parsons Architect. "My client came to me with a modest terrace house that was in much need of an upgrade," David shares, "situated on a very compact site where the layout simply didn't work for modern living."
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The brief called for a new bathroom upstairs alongside the two existing bedrooms, and a ground floor kitchen that connected more effectively with the rear garden. The solution involved a delicate balance of restoration and reinvention. The outdated rear extension was removed, making way for a meticulously crafted two-storey addition, maximising the available floor area within council regulations and extending the usable living space.
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"Being such a small site, taking advantage of every square metre mattered," says David. This led to a reconfiguration of the upper level, creating a well-appointed bathroom while maintaining the functionality of the bedrooms, including the introduction of an integrated study nook.
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Downstairs, the focus was on creating a light-filled, open living space that connected to the backyard and creating a welcoming environment to entertain and cook for family and friends.
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This seamless flow is achieved through the clever use of levels and integrated, custom-built joinery, creating a sense of openness and flow between the living, kitchen, and entertaining areas. A floating benchtop extends from the kitchen into the living room, serving as both a media unit and the first step of the finely crafted steel and timber staircase.
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Suspended from the upper floor, the staircase not only provides access to the new bathroom and bedrooms but also serves as a central design feature, drawing the eye upwards. Skylights bathe the upper level in natural light, expanding the sense of space and volume.
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The design philosophy of multifunctionality is evident throughout the home. “Space was a premium so every element had to perform multiple functions,” explains David. The dining banquette doubles as a fireplace hearth and storage, while the kitchen joinery conceals a small powder room. “Every aspect of the design and construction was carefully considered to ensure that we optimised the use of space,” says David.
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![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-d5b5698a.jpg)
![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-7d4809f3.jpg)
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![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-a599ce2f.jpg)
![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-01932fe5.jpg)
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The restrained material palette is timeless and light. White walls, ceilings, joinery and marble benchtops are robust and practical. The dark timber floors and staircase add contrast and create a sense of balance whilst linking back to the existing upper level floors.
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This Darlington terrace is a testament to thoughtful design, transformed from a tight and shadowy space into a light-filled, connected and open home where beauty and practicality effortlessly go hand in hand.
![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-9a8bf320.jpg)
![Darlington Residence Darlington Residence](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw/darlington-residence-david-parsons-architect-terrace-darlington-nsw-b5511232.jpg)
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