An Animated Expression – Hue House by Welsh + Major and Arent & Pyke

Drawing on a passion for colour, layers of eclectic and unexpected textures transform Hue House into its activated new self. Welsh + Major and Arent & Pyke reimagine the home as an expanded and openly connected series of spaces, each animated through the coming together of a lively curation.

Nestled into Sydney’s Inner West, Hue House extends the relevance and liveability of an existing heritage home through a rear extension and the reconfiguration of its interior to reflect those that reside within. Every home acts as an expression of sorts and, like fashion, becomes a means to embed the rituals of everyday into a larger scale expression of texture, form and pattern. Combining both the existing charm and character of the period home with the new addition, here a fusion of styles and approaches to both planning and openness meet on site and balance one another. With architecture by Welsh + Major and interior design, furnishing, decoration and art selection by Arent & Pyke, the multi-era spaces are given an overarching cohesion.

The insertions become interventions of their own kind, both in how they add to the spaces, enlivening them and also in how they aid in altering the resulting functionality.

Surrounded within its own unique landscape setting designed by Peter Fudge, Hue House openly extends the focus from the living areas out toward the rear and throughout the home as an expression of contemporary life and connectedness. Large glazed elements allow the outside to become framed and act as an animated backdrop for the interior, while tones from the garden are also brought inside and inspire the curation therein. Opening the original floor plan and convening with a large and open living area to the rear, the formality of the existing planning is given some relief, funnelling activity into the shared rear space and allowing the other areas to become supplemental, yet their own destinations along the way.

The insertions become interventions of their own kind, both in how they add to the spaces, enlivening them, and also in how they aid in altering the resulting functionality. Elevating each of the spaces, layers of texture see both complementary and contrasting palettes come together with an unexpected result. The new works see the kitchen become a key focus for the home, with other areas radiating from this central core. While new additions re-sculpt and integrate storage throughout, existing furniture is also given a new lease on life through moderations and alteration as needed.

Elevating each of the spaces, layers of texture see both complimentary and contrasting palettes come together, with an unexpected result.

Blending the old and new, Hue House ensures the original character and handmade details are retained and enhanced by the newer elements. The interiors by Arent & Pyke are cleverly framed by the architecture by Welsh + Major, combining to create a cohesive and eclectic whole.