Layered Animation – Park Villa 1873 by Décor JMH and Luigi Rosselli Architects

Opening up and instilling a sense of deliberate connection within an important heritage terrace home, Park Villa 1873 becomes an embrace of both past and present. Together with Luigi Rosselli Architects, Décor JMH re-sculpts the home within the confines of its heritage limitations, infusing an animation through layering and purpose.

Nestled into Sydney’s Paddington with similar Victorian-era terrace homes, Park Villa 1873 sits across from Centennial and Moore Parks as an important contributor to the historical richness of the area. Its leafy and established surrounds afford the home an elevated stateliness, reinforced by the need for a fitting alteration. Listed on the National Estate register, the home sought a considered connection to its courtyard, a newly formed kitchen and an open living space that would accommodate a contemporary openness. At the core of the latest iterations was the need for a better sense of flow and cohesion internally and to the rear. Together with architecture by Luigi Rosselli Architects, Décor JMH conjures a series of gestures that recentre the motions of the home and infuse a welcomed liveliness.

Together with architecture by Luigi Rosselli Architects, Décor JMH conjures a series of gestures that recentre the motions of the home and infuse a welcomed liveliness.

While maintaining the existing proportions and scale of volume, the proposal layers elements of texture, form and curiosity to reflect the personality of its owners and how they use their home. Built by Technoform Constructions, Park Villa 1873 draws its focus inward towards the kitchen, living and courtyard spaces. As a priority, the kitchen and preparation space needed to expand from its previous limiting footprint, become a hub for entertaining and to support an active family home. Removing an existing external supporting wall, a four-metre-long kitchen island was inserted, anchoring the room within the home. The extension to the rear also allows for an expanded living and family space to openly connect with the courtyard and surrounding environment.

The formally arranged landscaped elements sit carefully curated by Secret Gardens and act as an extension of the home, referencing a heritage structured approach. Accompanying the expansion is the renovation of the existing master and secondary bathroom spaces, where a more deliberate and contemporary interpretation of the Victorian era is created. A mixture of cool tones and vibrant colours reflect a distinct animation throughout, with blues and greens reinforcing a connection to the landscape. The coloured joinery then acts as a nod to the shake-style kitchen, while a muted base runs underfoot, binding each of the rooms together.

While maintaining the existing proportions and scale of volume, the proposal layers elements of texture, form and curiosity to reflect the personality of its owners and how they use their home.

Through a celebration of existing and handmade elements, Décor JMH and Luigi Rosselli Architects give Park Villa 1873 an elevated lift, ensuring a continuation of character.