PADDINGTON HOUSE

Starting with a typically narrow, south-facing terrace house in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Paddington, the brief was to create a contemporary rear extension incorporating accommodation within the existing roof void, while bringing more natural light into the centre of a dark interior.

A three-storey lightwell was created around the central staircase and main circulation spaces. The staircase was designed using fine steel plate to act as a filtering element – dispersing natural light through the centre of the house. A galley kitchen is located directly below the staircase, effectively utilising this corridor space. The transparency of the stairs visually connects the entry with the rear living spaces and the outdoor courtyard beyond.

The new rear living space was created with a large, raked, north-facing volume with a large clerestory window providing good natural light. This open-plan area contains both lounge and dining spaces, which open directly onto the rear courtyard.

Quality appliances and materials such as marble and natural stone have been utilised throughout the house to create a contemporary, minimal design comprising of overlapping, light-filled spaces. 

Photographer- Sharrin Rees