Focus on Light – Darlington Terrace by People Architecture and Amanda Barnett Design

A restoration of an existing heritage home, Darlington Terrace remedies the impacts of time whilst being infused with light and open tones throughout. People Architecture and Amanda Barnett Design work together to reimagine the layered dwelling, combining restored detailing with a crafted, contemporary approach.

Located within its namesake, an inner-city suburb of Sydney, Darlington Terrace is the result of several coalescing forms added over the years, endowed with the marks of time and reminders of its many previous residents. Previously been student accommodation, with a high turnaround of owners, restoring the original details of the residence was a priority. Encompassing the entire site, the home’s multiple levels are expanded to allow for an open and light interior, granting a refreshed form. A muted palette is introduced throughout to emphasise the original scale and proportions of the terrace home whilst ensuring separations do not restrict a sense of flow and openness.

Encompassing the entire site, the home’s multiple levels are expanded to allow for an open and light interior, granting a refreshed form.

A cohesive approach to architecture and interior design draws in sunlight and enhances a connection to place. The central spaces of terrace homes are typically void of natural light and instead rely on outer areas to bridge the connection between built and natural elements. Resolving this, skylights are introduced in the centre of Darlington Terrace, ensuring a natural lightness is felt throughout as a key feature of the daily interactions within. A consistent palette of cool and muted whites and greys are applied throughout to connect the old with the new in a contemporary fashion, with subdued colouring used sparingly.

Infusing a playfulness to represent the personalities of the owners was also key to the approach, with the introduction of geometric features repeated throughout. Restoring select detailing and reinstating others, the aim was to continue the heritage home’s legacy through a more open, contemporary lens, bringing together both the old and new. Repositioning the kitchen to become the heart of the home places greater emphasis on this space and reflects how modern dwellings are lived in today. The newly introduced island becomes a feature for both entertaining and preparation whilst anchoring the kitchen’s new orientation and creating a sense of flow out into the shared living zones.

Restoring select detailing and reinstating others, the aim was to continue the heritage home’s legacy through a more open, contemporary lens, bringing together both the old and new.

Darlington Terrace is given new life through a cohesive, texturally warm and binding palette emphasised by natural connections. The combination of liveability and personality integrated by People Architecture and Amanda Barnett Design ensures a distinct resolve emerges whilst respecting the past and looking forward to the future.