Charm, Elaborated – Hill House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Photography by Dave Wheeler
Styling by Atelier Lab

Extending the existing charm of a 1900s-era cottage, Hill House sees a keen focus on an expression of character in the fusing of old and new. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects draws from the established celebration of crafted elements in proposing the new, fusing an openness that allows a new connection to light and the natural surrounding elements.

In preserving the origins and the important history of the area it sits amongst, Hill House sees the respectful extension of a legacy. Located in the heritage-rich milieu of Woollahra, in inner Sydney, the careful expanding of the original Federation-style cottage to meet the demands of a more modern occupation required a considered approach. Core to the brief was the retention of the essence of the original home through scale and warmth, with the new addition needing to act as a measured evolution of the original. Sitting as a two-story addition, the form sits tucked away from the streetscape, ensuring the original presence of the home amongst its neighbours remains uninterrupted. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects carefully examines the original to ensure the proposed flows with natural procession.

In not attempting to confuse the two, the old and new sit connected in form yet differently expressed in detail and tone.

Needing to strip back and uncover the true original form, Hill House sees the removal of 1960s and 1980s additions to then rebuild an appropriate framework. Built by Arch Building and Construction, the resulting home aims to herald the original cottage form and vernacular, and through an open and clearly defined approach, adds a series of open and connected spaces that align with how a home is occupied today. Culminating in a shared living, dining and kitchens space to the rear, the old form funnels into the new, where a shared palette and similar tones connect across eras. Subtly defining the difference, the original cottage is marked both internally and externally with the use of white elements, while the new is formed in a soft grey.

In not attempting to confuse the two, the old and new sit connected in form yet differently expressed in detail and tone. By retaining the original crafted elements such as cornicing, skirting, architraves, fireplaces and ceiling elements, the unique handmade features remain. The new spaces then reflect similar junctions through a contemporary lens, with more stripped back and crisp edges throughout. The upper level allows for the creation of a separate master suite to sit elevated above the combined living space below and create a sense of segregation, while still engaging the rear landscaped area.

Subtly defining the difference, the original cottage is marked both internally and externally with the use of white elements, while the new is formed in a soft grey.

Hill House By Madeleine Blanchfield Architects Project Feature The Local Project Image (8)

While the floor plan is efficiently worked, Hill House uses a lightened approach throughout to ensure an enhanced sense of scale is created and reinforced. Although flanked by a multiple-story apartment building to one side, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects turns the focus inward to create a private retreat while respecting the previous history of its cottage origins.