Quaintly Crafted – Darghan Terrace Glebe by CM Studio

A reworking of an existing heritage cottage, Darghan Terrace Glebe utilises a light and subtle palette to both infuse a natural connection and enhance a sense of scale. CM Studio overlays a series of well-conceived insertions and integrations that activate every available area of the site whilst creating an intimately private home.

In many residences set within inner-city suburbs, the challenge lays in increasing the quality of the offering whilst maintaining the original charm. Originally built as a workers’ cottage in Glebe, Darghan Terrace Glebe sees a restriction in scale that was once ideal for someone whose work was nearby. Now, as a reflection of increased densities within these inner suburban areas, the residence is home to a young family and needed to allow for a greater sense of expansion. Optimising the internal potential of the site whilst adding open floor space was key to CM Studio’s approach, where the team draws from previous experience within similar typologies.

Colour and palette play a role in creating a perceptively large home and, through opening select areas within, that flexibility and crossover of functionality negates the need for as many separate rooms.

Drawing from the English origins of the home’s style, the interweaving of terraces of London became the main inspiration. Also navigating similar restrictive templates, with neighbouring residences flanking either side, maintaining a connection to the past whilst expanding the quality of the dwelling from within was important. Colour and palette play a role in creating a perceptively large home and, through opening select areas within, that flexibility and crossover of functionality negates the need for as many separate rooms.

By including an additional floor, more rooms are added to the rear and tucked away from the street. Through utilising a soft palette internally and painting the existing brickwork wall, the spaces feel more voluminous and enhanced as light enters the interior. Stone and oak timber varieties then used in the joinery and the flooring allows the home to come together through a cohesive and comprehensively designed approach. Opting to retain the subtleties in texture of the travertine and micro cement, the architect instils a feeling of warmth, light and authenticity.

Drawing from the English origins of the home’s style, the interweaving of terraces of London became the main inspiration.

Despite the size limitations of the site, an enhanced living arrangement comes together in the form of balancing both enclosed and open quality spaces within Darghan Terrace Glebe. CM Studio ensures a timelessness is felt throughout whilst the response feels aptly appropriate for the outdoor life that Sydney is known for.