Skylight Terrace

by Josephine Hurley Architecture

The Skylight Terrace by Josephine Hurley Architecture is a renovation centred around the primary living areas of a four storey terrace located in Paddington, Sydney, within space that is home to a family with two young energetic boys.

The brief called for plenty of natural light, ample storage and an island bench for the kitchen. Drawing natural light into the deep and narrow plan was a key objective from the outset. This was achieved by raking the living room ceiling to the rear of the site to capture uninterrupted views of the sky with a full width skylight. The illusion of infinite space; a precious commodity in the high density area. There is peace-of-mind knowing that the view of the sky will never be blocked by future development and there’s something nice about being unaware of the close proximity of your neighbours.

The kitchen, living, bathroom, laundry and cellar are located on the lowest level, one storey below the main street and level with the rear courtyard and laneway. The deep plan and low ceiling height made the spaces feel compressed and subterranean, lacking natural daylight and the consideration they deserved.

The southern party wall was conceived as a spine of joinery, hiding away the essentials of everyday living such as the laundry, kitchen fridge and storage and kids toys in the living room. The joinery panels create a subtle, visual rhythm that connects and unites the spaces.

The minimal material palette is timeless and light. White walls; ceilings; joinery and caesarstone ‘concrete’ bench tops are robust and practical. The timber floors add warmth and create a sense of home whilst linking back to the existing upper level floors. The mirror splash back creates an illusion of more space and also bounces natural light deeper into the plan.

The existing staircase was reconfigured to streamline the circulation, once a dog-leg into the former bathroom & through the centre of a galley kitchen. This gesture established the new circulation and opportunity for a large island bench that defines the cooking zone. The small building footprint was maximised by further excavating towards the street, opening up much needed circulation space and perfect conditions for a cellar.

This renovation by Josephine Hurley Architecture has created a theatrical, playful living area perfect for family life. Josephine has created a space that will allow the occupants to grow and live as a family for many years to follow.

To view more Josephine Hurley Inspired Architecture and Interior Design Archives head to their TLP Designer Profile.        

Keep up to date with The Local Project’s latest interviews, project overviews, collections releases and more – view our TLP Articles & News.

Explore more design, interior & architecture archives in our TLP Archives Gallery.

The Skylight Terrace by Josephine Hurley Architecture is a renovation centred around the primary living areas of a four storey terrace located in Paddington, Sydney, within space that is home to a family with two young energetic boys.

The brief called for plenty of natural light, ample storage and an island bench for the kitchen. Drawing natural light into the deep and narrow plan was a key objective from the outset. This was achieved by raking the living room ceiling to the rear of the site to capture uninterrupted views of the sky with a full width skylight. The illusion of infinite space; a precious commodity in the high density area. There is peace-of-mind knowing that the view of the sky will never be blocked by future development and there’s something nice about being unaware of the close proximity of your neighbours.

The kitchen, living, bathroom, laundry and cellar are located on the lowest level, one storey below the main street and level with the rear courtyard and laneway. The deep plan and low ceiling height made the spaces feel compressed and subterranean, lacking natural daylight and the consideration they deserved.

The southern party wall was conceived as a spine of joinery, hiding away the essentials of everyday living such as the laundry, kitchen fridge and storage and kids toys in the living room. The joinery panels create a subtle, visual rhythm that connects and unites the spaces.

The minimal material palette is timeless and light. White walls; ceilings; joinery and caesarstone ‘concrete’ bench tops are robust and practical. The timber floors add warmth and create a sense of home whilst linking back to the existing upper level floors. The mirror splash back creates an illusion of more space and also bounces natural light deeper into the plan.

The existing staircase was reconfigured to streamline the circulation, once a dog-leg into the former bathroom & through the centre of a galley kitchen. This gesture established the new circulation and opportunity for a large island bench that defines the cooking zone. The small building footprint was maximised by further excavating towards the street, opening up much needed circulation space and perfect conditions for a cellar.

This renovation by Josephine Hurley Architecture has created a theatrical, playful living area perfect for family life. Josephine has created a space that will allow the occupants to grow and live as a family for many years to follow.

To view more Josephine Hurley Inspired Architecture and Interior Design Archives head to their TLP Designer Profile.        

Keep up to date with The Local Project’s latest interviews, project overviews, collections releases and more – view our TLP Articles & News.

Explore more design, interior & architecture archives in our TLP Archives Gallery.