Thoughtfully Reimagined – Magney St by Roth Architecture

Preserving the home’s Victorian era façade, Magney St is an example of how considered alterations and conscious preservation can seamlessly rejuvenate a home. Transforming a cramped cottage in Sydney’s eastern suburbs into a spacious and light-filled oasis, Roth Architecture successfully elevates the home into the contemporary context of biophilic design.

Maintaining the integrity of Magney St’s past has been integral to the design process – a feat achieved by maintaining the home’s façade, as well as using timeless, natural materials that complement the historical elements. The use of stone, timber and American oak with a walnut finish matches the home’s original materiality whilst way in which they are used suggests a modern style. Designed by Roth Architecture, the home also houses an array of beautiful antique items and a unique collection of artwork that combine to accentuate the Victorian heritage of the home.

Increasing openness and connections to the outdoors was key in Magney St’s rejuvenation.

Increasing openness and connections to the outdoors was key in Magney St’s rejuvenation. The home has been reconfigured from an awkwardly shaped lot into a flowing, open plan design by demolishing the rear and opening up the house – simultaneously inviting the outdoor spaces into the interior of the home. This creates the illusion of added volume, injecting much-needed perceived space into the kitchen, living and dining areas. The illusion is taken further with a mirror splashback that reflects the greenery in the courtyard outside.

This seamless merging of the indoors and outdoors continues throughout the rest of the home as a way to brighten and rework the triangle-shaped lot. The architectural direction was originally inspired by a tree that was peaking over from the neighbour’s yard. Roth Architecture took this a design cue, designing the main living area so that it optimised different views of the tree whilst providing privacy, tranquillity and a moment of stillness.

The rejuvenation of Magney St is an embodiment of timeless, thoughtful design – emblematic of a commitment to upholding the original character and charm of the home.

Vitrosca doors are a welcome addition to the living area, opening up and sliding into hidden cavities to allow the living area to be integrated into the courtyard. By inviting the surrounding greenery of the street and the landscaping into the living spaces of the home, the unique biophilic design captures the innovative ways indoor and outdoor living can co-exist.

The rejuvenation of Magney St is an embodiment of timeless, thoughtful design – emblematic of a commitment to upholding the original character and charm of the home. Once inside, an inspired feeling of calm and connected to the outdoors is instilled, interwoven with nods to the home’s rich history.