This 1890s Paddington terrace is located on a small gently sloping site, accessed by sandstone steps that were only recently uncovered beneath layers of render and tile and were carefully restored.
Project Name: Paddington House
Studio Name: Porebski Architects
Site size: 100
Completion date: 2019
Building levels: 2
Location: Sydney, Australia
Photography: Tom Ferguson
The original ground floor layout was typically L-shaped and awkward at the rear with steps at the side leading up to a courtyard. The brief to provide all the essential amenities of a kitchen, laundry and powder room in the rear extension is achieved well by cleverly designed joinery, and the use of a simple material palette of timber, veneer, marble and white polyurethane joinery.
Keeping the raised courtyard meant less engineering was required and the magnolia little gem tree was able to be retained. The difference in levels provides an intimate perspective and makes way for cosy reading corner – a valuable space off the kitchen that is used all the time.
The new external parapet wall features white bricks and conceals the sliding doors so that when they are open, the indoor/outdoor relationship of the house is maximised. The selection of face brickwork to the wall references the traditional surrounding built fabric and the off-white colour provides modernity. A white painted timber screen shed with a granite topped BBQ area works well aesthetically and functionally. The project is a successful utilisation of space and well-suited for family living.