Balmain

A charming terrace in the neighbourhood of Balmain.

Dela Designs were hired to develop a refurbishment project for a 140sqm house located in a charming terrace housing neighbourhood of Balmain. This project was an expansion of the existing structure adding additional spatial and functional requirements. The intention was to achieve a design that would preserve the past, sustain the present, and anticipate the needs of the future. Metaphorically, the project consists of two worlds, two elements, seamlessly interwoven to form a single unified cohesive whole. One is the essence, the core perceived as a spiritual mystery, a reservoir of memories and longings. The other is a new skin that occupies, caresses, shelters and conceals the essence lucidly, while presenting an appealing presence in dialogue with the outside world. The project went through a sculpting and layering process that brought a new potential to the house, utilising the original structure efficiently, while fulfilling the additional qualitative spatial requirements of the owner. The result is a plot that forms a poetic journey of revealment and concealment, where the original core is always present, yet gently concealed, except for those who dare to mark its traces and touch its luminous flame.

The proposal comprises small scale alterations and additions to a two storey Victorian period terrace style residence. The proposed works are confined first floor rear wall of the existing residence including conversion of the existing timber deck to a small bedroom with and enclosed verandah. Internal alterations include the conversion of bedroom 2 on first floor to a bathroom. On the site stands two storeys, brick terrace style residence with corrugated steel skillion roof. The residence dates from the Victorian period, probably constructed circa 1890 and has the appearance of a terrace house. A Ground floor level rear addition was constructed in 2001 comprising kitchen, dining room, bathroom and laundry and presents a more contemporary aesthetic than the original residence.

The floor and external coating and decking are of pine wood. The kitchen, dining and living room cabinets are all aligned on the same wall. The sofa was designed exclusively for this project. Knowing the client’s passion for cooking, a 5m long kitchen countertop made of Corian was designed including cooktop, oven, a large sink and a table for six people. Still on the ground floor, two large pivoting doors with wooden frame and large glasses open to a small courtyard. The original staircase was preserved, only the handrail was covered with a white wood- en box that holds a 162 bottle wine cellar and a storage space for luggage. The altered residence retains its characteristics by way of aesthetic context to the front elevation and provides a contemporary appearance to the rear boundary. Existing street scape values of Reynolds Street shall not be affected as the proposal does not include any overbearing elements of construction.

The proposal will benefit the owner occupier whilst not negatively impacting environmentally socially or economically on the locality and public interest.