Modest and Grounded Connection – Composition House by Studio Prineas

Composition House is the recalibration of a tired 1950s-era home into an intentionally open and light series of spaces that embrace the outdoors. Studio Prineas retains an essence of the home’s existing character and the occupants in a proposal that focuses on a sense of community.

What started with the acquisition of a character-rich home many years ago grew into a community-focused neighbourhood as the owners’ family members began to acquire nearby homes. Located within inner-west Sydney, and retaining connections to the past whilst aligning with a distinctive living set-up, the restoration and reworking of Composition House awoke a unique sense of convivial spirit. Originally built in the 1950s, the post-war home is modest and holds layers of family history and a connection to place that needed to be honoured. Studio Prineas combines the elements the owners love about the home with a contemporary planning approach to ensure a continued relevance.

Located within inner-west Sydney, and retaining connections to the past whilst aligning with a distinctive living set-up, the restoration and reworking of Composition House awoke a unique sense of convivial spirit.

Focusing on the kitchen as an important connector within the home, Studio Prineas integrated an enhanced connection to natural light by opening up the space, which also brings in added ventilation. Though weaving a new narrative into the home, the direction was to tread lightly among the existing elements. The way in which the spaces connected also needed to reflect an ease of movement. Therefore, key features such as the stair balustrade, internal planters and sculptural wall lights remain as key moments that connect to the past whilst the floor plan was reconfigured for a modern liveability.

A distinctive midcentury philosophy underpins the approach. The kitchen and its custom joinery capture the principles of the original movement whilst being fused with an understanding of a more contemporary occupation. As the kitchen has been reinvigorated as a place to gather, connect, entertain and nurture, it’s role and prominence has significantly shifted from its original intention. In an effort to improve the home’s sustainability, gestures that support low energy consumption levels are combined with those that reduce the wastage of existing building materials on site.

Though weaving a new narrative into the home, the direction was to tread lightly among the existing elements.

Through a consciousness that honours the past and the tight bonds of community, Composition House remains grounded in its acknowledgement of its heritage yet is refreshed for what lies ahead. Studio Prineas enriched the home’s narrative through making alterations that honour the past, elevate the residence to a modern liveability and enhance a connection to place.