Privately Open – Paddington Residence by MCK Architects and Juicy Design

Sitting concealed behind its original heritage façade and an equally unassuming rear laneway entry, Paddington Terrace is given new life. MCK Architecture and Juicy Design combine to overlay a sophisticated and clean linear approach, allowing shards of natural light to fill the home and connect to the elements.

As one of many of its kind in Paddington, the rowed terrace house typology plays an integral role in defining the character of the area, acting as a reminder of its past. In retaining the original frontage and ornate Victorian-era detailing, the three-storey Paddington Terrace is transformed internally and out towards the rear in the form of a newly sculpted garden and courtyard space. Focusing on an outdoor connection and an expanded approach of living openly, the new interventions engage the site to create multiple connections and encourage light to come deep into the internal volumes of the home. With architecture by MCK Architecture and interior and landscape design by Juicy Design, the home capitalises on its otherwise unmet potential.

Working within the parameters of the heritage listed status of the home, the terrace was restored through a sensitive lens, ensuring its original charm remained.

Working within the parameters of the heritage listed status of the home, the terrace was restored through a sensitive lens, ensuring its original charm remained. Having been the recipient of an ill-fitting renovation in the 1970s, the new works aimed to correct and instil a more timeless resolve, ensuring the home continues to resonate for years to come. Using the existing base of handmade elements as inspiration for the new, a similar level of rigour and consideration has been overlaid, ensuring a continuation of legacy.

Paddington Residence is reconfigured to align more with a contemporary occupation. An overall openness defines the new home, seeing multiple openings in the ceiling panels illuminate the spaces, whilst also connecting the passing weather conditions of the outside world. Newly introduced glazing sits within a refined steel framework, as void spaces become gallery-like in feel and offer a quietening among the other spaces. A palette of contrasting finishes adds warmth and reiterates the forms within the home, directing views upward and out.

Using the existing base of handmade elements as inspiration for the new, a similar level of rigour and consideration has been overlaid, ensuring a continuation of legacy.

Through its re-crafting, Paddington Residence further firms its position in place with a crispness befitting of any contemporary home. MCK Architecture and Juicy Design have respectfully prolonged the significance of the structure and, in turn, customised the spaces to be more openly engaging in the process.