Crisply Lit – Paddington Terrace by Smith + Levine and Anthony Gill Architects

Drawing on a newfound connection to natural light, Paddington Terrace is enlivened through a contemporary restraint, focusing on facilitating modern living. Together with Anthony Gill Architects, Smith + Levine overlays a new sense of longevity for the rowed home, rebuilding as a connected and open series of spaces.

Whilst the streets of Paddington are eclectic and varied, one sighting remains consistent throughout – the terrace home. Taking form as both the highly-decorative Victorian structure and the more contemporary iteration seen over recent years, the rowed house has shaped the urban surrounds of the Sydney area. Viewed as a snapshot of a previous time, the terrace typology emerges as an early example of increased density and an experimentation with verticality within inner suburban streets. Originally built in the 1980s, Paddington Terrace sits adjoined by neighbours on either side. Wanting to maintain this rhythm and presence, whilst also integrating key functionality and detailing from the original home into its latest reworking, an honouring of time and place inspires the new.

Keen to maintain the original rounded columns and concrete ceilings within the original home, a comprehensive renovation recalibrates the interior.

Together with architecture by Anthony Gill Architects, Smith + Levine reworked the interior as a considered crafting of light, space and openness. Keen to maintain the original rounded columns and concrete ceilings within the original home, a comprehensive renovation recalibrates the interior. Over three levels, a natural separation defines the more traditionally grouped functions of the residence. With the kitchen located on another floor away from the living room, both levels have their own dedication to function and access natural light in different ways. Adding to this – and running through the centre of the home – is a void space that allows an outward connection, whilst also enhancing a feeling of retreat within.

Paddington Terrace retains its original openness at both ends, whilst also integrating increased permeability throughout each of its levels. By introducing a series of skylights that puncture the ceiling above, much needed light is brought into the belly of the home and into the living spaces. By using colour sparingly throughout, natural tones and textures are implemented to add versatility to the finishes, whilst integrated joinery ensures additional storage and amenity become an extension of the architecture, calming the spaces.

By using colour sparingly throughout, natural tones and textures are implemented to add versatility to the finishes, whilst integrated joinery ensures additional storage and amenity become an extension of the architecture, calming the spaces.

Softened by the new connections to natural light, Paddington Terrace is anchored to place through a sense of openness. Smith + Levine and Anthony Gill Architects ensure a continued relevance, readying the home for its coming chapter.