Country Charm – Pavilion House by Studio Panetta

Harnessing the existing materiality on site, Studio Panetta breathes new life into an 1840s Georgian sandstone cottage, transforming it into a contemporary, pavilion-style home while still retaining the traditional country house feeling. Pavilion House maintains its enchanting period detailing, offering the residing family a bespoke dwelling that feels comfortable yet refined for its urban setting.

Located in Sydney’s inner west, the storied sandstone cottage has endured many alterations, all while maintaining a connection to its origins. The restoration and expansion of Pavilion House not only pays homage to a layered past but also transforms it into a modern sanctuary space for the owners, offering a retreat from the surrounding inner-city activity. Inspired by the generous scale and sense of disconnection typically associated with country homes, which the owners themselves grew up in, Studio Panetta ensures a similar sentiment is instilled into this abode through quintessential rural colours and vistas of the elegant landscape.

The restoration and expansion of Pavilion House not only pays homage to a layered past but also transforms it into a modern sanctuary space for the owners, offering a retreat from the surrounding inner-city activity.

For Pavilion House, the owners wanted to celebrate their rural beginnings by weaving in a connection to the natural elements throughout. This can be seen in the dissolved thresholds between inside and out as well as in the raw materials employed that enhance textural elements of the residence. As such, the experience of the house is one that becomes animated throughout the day. “We wanted the home to feel bright and spacious in some parts and dark and quiet in others,” says Amanda Garcia-Panetta, Director and Interior Designer of Studio Panetta.

“Overall, this space needed to remain as a true representation of what a home is,” adds Amanda. “Its inhabitants deserved to have a sense of calm – we wanted to give them a space which is warm and peaceful.” With newly defined retreat spaces and gathering areas, the overall form makes use of its uniquely large 700-square-metre site, ensuring the four bedrooms, living spaces and garden can integrate comfortably throughout.

For Pavilion House, the owners wanted to celebrate their rural beginnings by weaving in a connection to the natural elements throughout.

Contained to a single level, Pavilion House retains the quaint charm of its origins yet is now opened generously from within. Studio Panetta preserves iconic details of the home’s storied past while introducing modern elements throughout.