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Existing

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Located within one of Sydney’s established inner-city neighbourhoods, this freestanding terrace possessed a strong architectural presence but lacked the spatial openness and connection to landscape expected of contemporary family living. Like many traditional terraces, the original layout was inward-looking and constrained, with the rear bathroom severing the relationship between the home and garden while limiting natural light and ventilation throughout the lower level.

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The opportunity was to carefully transform the home into a refined and cohesive residence that respected its heritage character while introducing a more generous, light-filled way of living suited to a growing family.

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Client Brief

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The clients sought to reimagine their heritage terrace as a contemporary family home centred around openness, natural light and a stronger connection to the outdoors. A key priority was creating a seamless relationship between the kitchen, dining and garden spaces, allowing the home to feel more expansive, calm and connected to landscape.

Beyond functionality, the clients were seeking a home that balanced heritage character with modern liveability — incorporating flexible family spaces, improved natural ventilation and carefully integrated contemporary additions that would enhance both comfort and long-term value.

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Design Response

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The design approach focused on preserving the character and rhythm of the original terrace while introducing a contemporary architectural language that feels light, warm and enduring. Central to the transformation was the retention of an internal garden courtyard, which acts as both a spatial and environmental anchor between the heritage home and the new extension.

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This landscaped void draws natural light deep into the centre of the home while promoting cross ventilation throughout the interior, significantly improving thermal comfort and creating a stronger connection to nature within the dense urban setting. The transition between old and new was carefully considered to ensure the contemporary intervention complements rather than competes with the original terrace.

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As the project evolved, the opportunity emerged to further enhance the home through the addition of a third-level attic extension. This carefully integrated upper floor introduced an additional bedroom and retreat space while maximising the potential of the existing structure without compromising the scale or character of the streetscape.

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The result is a sophisticated contemporary terrace that balances heritage sensitivity with modern family living — a home defined by natural light, spatial calm and a seamless connection between architecture, landscape and everyday life.

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​Sustainability Strategy

 

The home incorporates low-carbon construction methods through the use of lightweight metal cladding paired with sustainably framed timber construction, reducing both environmental impact and long-term operational energy demands. Enhanced insulation levels exceeding Australian standards, combined with carefully considered cross ventilation throughout every room, create a naturally comfortable indoor environment that remains cool in summer and thermally efficient year-round.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Client Feedback

My wife and I worked with Jodie on the renovation of our terrace in the inner-west of Sydney. We would not hesitate to recommend Jodie. She listened to what we wanted, and she always made herself available to meet or speak with us to answer our many questions! We are really happy with how our renovation turned out and we are excited to move back into our "new " house!