Contrasting Lightness – Garden Terrace by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

As an open expansion of an existing home, Garden Terrace focuses on creating connections on the lower level to create a better articulation between the built form and the surrounding landscape. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects uses contrast to create moments of the unexpected and infuse a sense of drama by inviting light inwards.

Located in Paddington, the brief for Garden Terrace centred around the opening of its existing spaces to create a series of volumes that felt more embedded in place and embraced the surrounds. Being so enviably tucked away from the street – in such a central location and with access to such an opportune amount of private outdoor space – the new works were inspired by the desire to realise the potential of the site. Through a recalibration of the existing, additions and alterations ensure Madeleine Blanchfield Architects focused on harnessing light throughout the home and created avenues for the free-flowing movement between inside and out.

Integral to the newly crafted home was a connection to natural light.

Material contrast is used to embed boldness and drama throughout. Garden Terrace remains true to its name, with the interior acting as an extension of the surrounding garden terrace spaces – opening through the operable nature of the façade. Dark toned blade walls encase the newly formed kitchen space, marking the area as a central gathering element and inserting a sculptural nod in the process. The blade features then encourage an interaction with incoming light, casting dramatic shadows as the sun moves around the property throughout the day. With a focus on restraint, the interior of the home is proposed as a foundation for life’s rituals and to layer personalisation over time.

The opening of the living area further accentuates a connection outward, with clear visual access of the garden to be the surrounding backdrop for the space. Integral to the newly crafted home was a connection to natural light. Incorporating generous skylights and new openings in the façade allow for natural light to constantly fill the bottom level of the home, giving the space a new lightness.

Material contrast is used to embed boldness and drama throughout.

By emphasising views outward, Garden Terrace feels connected to its densely landscaped garden setting. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects carefully creates a monochromatic series of spaces as the ideal combination of calm and escape for its owners.