Creative Expression – Darlinghurst Terrace by Sam Crawford Architects

Through a reinvigoration of its historical layers, Darlinghurst Terrace is instilled with vibrancy and geometric expression both inside and out. Sam Crawford Architects utilises a bold palette to animate and expand the heritage home, breathing new, contemporary life into the well-crafted, eclectic dwelling.

Located in Darlinghurst, in inner-city Sydney, Darlinghurst Terrace is home to a passionate artist-and-musician duo who wanted to breathe new life into an ageing beauty. Armed with a collection of hexagonal grey tiles, a deep appreciation for heritage and a willingness to create their own rare retreat, the combined vision of the owners and the architects brings a new-found animation to the 19th-century residence. Driven by a desire to live in the home for a long time, the creative owners set out to open the space, welcoming in an abundance of sunlight and establishing a seamless connection between inside and out. Key to the brief was letting functionality take centrestage, concealing some elements within whilst allowing others to be on display.

Using a mixture of varied geometries and textures as you move through the dwelling, the owners’ love for vibrant hues and captivating shapes is evident and inspired the resulting house.

As the owners sought to enhance certain areas of the home, such as the existing bathing and cooking spaces, integrating a generous amount of storage for their art, collected items, books and records was integral to the approach. Using a mixture of varied geometries and textures as you move through the dwelling, the owners’ love for vibrant hues and captivating shapes is evident and inspired the resulting house. The integration of the new courtyard garden space also enables an uninterrupted flow between the living spaces and the surrounds. Sliding timber doors in the dining room and kitchen, along with a grand tilt-up door at the rear, invite the outside in, gracefully creating an artistic sanctuary. Internally, timber adds a welcoming warmth and texture to the integrated joinery and furniture, further connecting to the surrounding natural elements.

The reworked bathrooms also embrace hexagonal tiles, balanced with the use of white, glossy subway tiles, hardwood timber, Corian solid surfaces and accents of brass. On the upper level, the integration of four vaulted skylights allows light to travel deep into the home and ensures the interior reflects the changing seasons all year round. It was important that a creative and curious sensibility was felt throughout, bringing the personalities of those living within into each of the spaces.

It was important that a creative and curious sensibility was felt throughout, bringing the personalities of those living within into each of the spaces.

Darlinghurst Terrace perfectly celebrates its custodians’ personalities and creative natures. As the owners continue to take care of the heritage gem over the coming years, they ensure a piece of themselves is integrated within.