This Federation-era home in Sydney's Inner West had a number of renovations and additions over the years which had left a confusing floor plan and stripped original features leaving the street presence lacking. Amrish Maharaj Architect worked with Kitty Lee Architecture as an interior consultant transformed the home making it functional and restoring its heritage character. Here's how...
Over the years, the front verandah had been enclosed and much of the detail stripped from the front of the home. Inside, a central dining room was a little like a blockage, sitting in the middle of the home and requiring you to walk through the small kitchen to access the family room at the rear. Similarly, a bedroom tacked onto the rear of the home disconnected the home from the substantial backyard.
The owners knew it was time for an overhaul. They wanted a total of three bedrooms and a formal lounge that could be transformed into a guest bedroom for overseas guests when required. They also wanted an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space connected to the outdoors.
The design retains the front part of the home and restores those original details; the front verandah makes a welcome return! "Beautifully crafted timber panel detailing, herringbone flooring, timber picture rails and ornate ceilings restored the front of the house to its former glory", explains the architect.
Rearranging the spaces in the original home allows for a main bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, built-in storage and a separate living area that takes in beautiful light from the north and east.
The central hall is extended, leading to the new addition at the rear which incorporates the open-plan living areas, bathroom, laundry and outdoor dining area. You're drawn through the home towards the light thanks to a large square timber-lined window seat overlooking the backyard.
To separate old and new, a garden light well lets light in and creates a lush outlook for the main bathroom. Here "period detailing gives way to timeless, yet contemporary, natural materials; concrete floors, painted brickwork and natural timbers", explains the architect.
Cathedral ceilings with skylights in the new part of the home bring in incredible north light and give a grand sense of space by offering additional volume to the living spaces.
"Offset House draws on texture and depth to create a visually dynamic form. The offset roof form that gives the house its name was developed to draw light into the addition while ensuring low visual bulk and overshadowing to the southern neighbour. It achieves a surprisingly modest yet spacious family home." - Amrish Maharaj Architect
Offset House pre renovation
Offset House pre renovation
Offset House original floor plan
Offset House floor plan