An Interplay of Texture and Light – Darlinghurst Terrace by Tom Mark Henry

Highlighting the original textural variation and tonality of the original structure, Darlinghurst Terrace sees the restoration and renovation of a previously delipidated three-storey dwelling into a contemporary and light-filled home. Tom Mark Henry combines a considered and measured restraint to both uncover unique moments and implant new and meaningful insertions.

Set in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, the restored terrace home offers a combined glimpse into the building’s original history and architectural intention while creating a contemporary and relevant home for its family. Instead of concealing the original stonework and crafted details, these elements are used as highlighted hints of the narrative of the home, spanning its one-hundred-year history. Combining a muted and textured approach, the focus is on tonality and a connection to natural materials, simple forms and a combined history within all of the spaces. Tom Mark Henry brings a pared back restraint that allows a monochromatic palette to lead the resulting materiality and inform the calm and unified home that emerges. Darlinghurst Terrace emerges an interplay with past and future and between textures and light.

Combining a muted and textured approach, the focus is on tonality and a connection to natural materials, simple forms and a combined history within all of the spaces.

Built by Jcorp Constructions, the original home was inherited as a delipidated and worn previous version of its current state and was in need of a considered and cohesive approach. Inspired by the muted works of John Pawson and the emotive qualities his homes embody, it was decided early on to deliberately avoid colour, and the ensuing balancing of contrasts instead became the feature. Like many terraces, the original floor plate did not endow the interior spaces with much natural light and the expansion of the external wall out to the boundary allowed for this to be mediated. The addition allowed for the insertion of a 4m-long skylight to be inserted above the newly located dining space. An overhaul of the floor plan and an overall expansion of the previous formality allowed for a natural flow of movement internally as well and flooding the home with much-needed light.

The process of the renovation revealed the original sandstone walls, which were then repaired and became a key directional element of the new home. The soft tonality found in these natural elements becomes the inspiration for the resulting palette, where limed oak flooring and soft whites and neutrals occupy the interiors. Contrast is also employed in the newly black stained timber staircase, acting to offset the lighter tones and highlight the sandstone even further. The insertions are both sensitive to the existing, while also considering the contemporary home and sense of timelessness.

The process of the renovation revealed the original sandstone walls, which were then repaired and became a key directional element of the new home.

Darlinghurst Terrace brings together past and present and through its measured approach, conjures an enduring home. Through careful restraint, Tom Mark Henry proposes a home of lasting appeal, beautifully celebrating the home’s richly layered past.

The insertions are both sensitive to the existing, while also considering the contemporary home and sense of timelessness.

Darlinghurst Terrace brings together past and present and through its measured approach, conjures an enduring home.