Modestly Textural – Paddington Terrace by Trias

With careful consideration, Paddington Terrace is expanded to the rear through a respectful homage to original proportions, scale and materiality. Re-crafting the quaint and narrow heritage residence, Trias focuses on inserting the energy and vibrancy of the home’s young couple and their growing family, seeing spaces become enlivened through warm textures and embedded artisanal craft.

Working within the existing outer constraints of the site, Paddington Terrace is the coming together of a contemporary approach within the shell of a storied home. Originally built and designed within the Victorian era, ornate detailing is applied to the front face of the residence, whilst smaller internal volumes remain to reflect the home’s heritage. As part of a row of similar era homes, the façade and front rooms of the existing remain as a nod to the past, whilst the remaining site is reconfigured to address the needs of modern living. Trias extrudes the overall form outward across its two levels, maintaining a similar outer silhouette to the original yet re-sculpting the interior as a place of considered calm.

A light palette ensures the spaces feel large, whilst also adding to an overall feeling of restfulness.

Built by ARC Projects, the addition that forms the new rear face of Paddington Terrace is comprised of concrete blockwork, creating a screening device for the upper-level interior spaces. Patterned and articulated to catch the passing light throughout the day, the openings allow for increased airflow throughout internal rooms, whilst also providing a veil of privacy from the surrounds. The lower level then opens generously to the landscaped courtyard garden, where timber combines with the masonry forms, together with glass, allowing clear visual and uninterrupted access between inside and out.

In preparing for the coming chapters as the owners start their own family, the home was conceived as a place that could adapt over time. A light palette ensures the spaces feel large, whilst also adding to an overall feeling of restfulness. Key to living passively within the Sydney climate is the ability for buildings to open and close as needed in response to weather; this was integral to how the outer ends of the home operated and engaged with the natural surrounds. The resulting spaces feel warm and contemporary, encouraging interaction with the incoming solar gains, whilst mechanisms allow the spaces to close off and feel more retreat-like as needed.

Focusing on lightness and an embedded openness, Paddington Terrace is both private and introspective, whilst still embracing the surrounds.

Focusing on lightness and an embedded openness, Paddington Terrace is both private and introspective, whilst still embracing the surrounds. Trias has injected several playful yet resonating elements that will see the home continue in relevancy over time.