Curtain Cottage

by Apparte Studio

The transformation of a dark Victorian cottage into a modern light-filled space.

Curtain Cottage is a revamped dark and damp Victorian cottage, which has been moved into the modern era of contemporary design.

The house has been transformed into a light-filled, flowing and uplifting space, whilst still referencing original features of the house design.

Design project of this house was unique in nature, as the architect from Apparte Studio; who designed the house, was both a builder and a joiner. This provided the opportunity to test out many ambitious ideas and their consequences during construction.

One of the special aspects about this project, was also the play of contrasts designers used between the modest façade and what lies within.

“Like a veil of camouflage, the front gives nothing away of its contents and remains perfectly anonymous.” They said.

As this was an investment project for the designers Apparte, they set the design parameters of this house based on the hypothetical idea that the house would become a future home for a professional couple.

This allowed designers to fully scope the project concept better, to layout a modern design throughout this old home.

Outcome of this new design meant, only one bedroom was dedicated to the front of the room, with the added use of an incorporated hallway, which can be converted into a flexible and open living space if needed.

So, on the occasion when guests stay over, a curtain could be pulled across this section, to create a divide and a spare room for staying.

The kitchen was then reconfigured to include a generous island for ease of circulation and encourage shared cooking. Whilst the dining area extends out from the island bench and provides a seamless transition to the courtyard.

Square meterage of the house was not able to be extended for this project, so designers carefully constructed a unique design, which helps create the illusion of volume and space.

This was done by lifting the ceiling to the line of the original rafters, which then created the opportunity to light the house indirectly, by placing LED strips atop the newly exposed ceiling joists.

In addition to this, a little quirk was added by the designers; which can be seen on the brick wall in the kitchen, where they punched a hole through the top to add a further connection between front and back; whilst also providing an access point to the attic floor.

Each space throughout this stunning remodel of an old and dusty home, has been re-invented with style guaranteed to last the ages.

Photography by Daniel Aulselbrook.

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