Two worlds collide in this futuristic reworking of a classic worker’s cottage on Sydney’s famed harbour front
EXTERIOR
Reminiscent of a Pucci print, the pool’s interior features retro geometrics in a palette that picks out the blues and greens of its surroundings. ‘We chose curves to echo the shape of the house’s extension,’ says architect Ben.
CABANA
Linear furnishings provide contrast to the curve above. ‘The void allows light to be channelled all the way in,’ says Ben. ‘If you look up, you can see cloud formations three storeys above.’
Old meets new’ would be an inadequate summary of the reimagining of this Sydney home, located right on the landmark harbour. In fact, rarely has there been a more striking contrast between the familiarity of a modest-looking Victorian Gothic facade and the retro-futuristic ex tension that ribbons from its sloping rear, which is completely invisible from the street. The brainchild of architectural practice Carter Williamson, known for its innovative use of materials such as concrete, glass and blonde brick, the house is designed to celebrate a transition from period conformity to rule-breaking architecture. ‘It is entirely unexpected, given the English-st yle design of the original 1880s building, which virtually ignored the view and wasn’t really suited to Australia’s climate,’ says design director Ben Peake, who worked on the renovation alongside principal architect, Shaun Carter, and senior associate – interiors, Julie Niass. ‘But the ability to create a tension bet ween old and new is the beauty of working with a listed home.’
Originally built from sandstone quarried on site
