Opened Repurposing – East Sydney by Aileen Sage Architects

Bestowing a new alignment to the site and the surrounding aspect, East Sydney sees the respectful recalibration of an existing terrace home into a contemporary and open retreat. Aileen Sage Architects responds to the greater context by focusing on developing new connections internally and between inside and out, as well as creating a more generous feeling across the site.

Like many homes of a foregone era, they become the product of layered alterations over time, each added by a new owner, with the best of intentions to improve upon the prior arrangement. In doing so, little is left of the original, or it becomes disguised behind so many superfluous elements in the process. As is the case with East Sydney, the primary goal is to reconnect the residence to its industrious and eclectic surrounds, reinstating the presence of heritage while ensuring the home felt open and relevant. Despite the size of the terrace house, Aileen Sage Architects overlays a more cohesive approach to planning internally and integrates meaningful connections between inside and out through the insertion of a courtyard and glazed openings.

As is the case with East Sydney, the primary goal is to reconnect the residence to its industrious and eclectic surrounds, reinstating the presence of heritage while ensuring the home felt open and relevant.

Spread over two levels, a better connection to the streetscape needed to be created to re-establishing the presence of the home among Darlinghurst at large. A common issue with terrace and older cottage-type homes, the absence of light becomes restrictive. However, with a focus on openness and by enlarging the central courtyard space, the residence is given the opportunity to breathe and let light and air in. The interior is lightened throughout, adding to the perceived scale and proportion by using a consistent palette, which accentuates the original ceiling heights and detailing.

Both the lower and upper levels are replanned to suit the functional requirements of the owner, while there is a deliberate ability for the living space to spill out into the rear garden. With the bulk of the interior stripped back, movement is funnelled through to the open living area, while the more recessive sleeping areas are contained. The introduction of an elevated deck enhances a sense of separation from the neighbouring properties and also creates a better sense of flow between inside and out. Additional mechanisms such as operable fins also allow for control of sunlight and warmth into the adjoining rooms to the rear, while the relocation of the kitchen more centrally aims to service the daily rituals of the household.

The interior is lightened throughout, adding to the perceived scale and proportion by using a consistent palette, which accentuates the original ceiling heights and detailing.

Through a mostly restrained palette and with the use of vibrant colour in parts, East Sydney sees the overlaying of a new charm and identity. Aileen Sage Architects retains the original proportions of the residences yet enhances its openness to brings a freshness to the heritage property.