Ornate Weaving – Sydney Residence by Thomas Hamel & Associates and Tzannes

Balancing old and new, Sydney Residence honours its Victorian-era origins, adopting a layered approach to interweave traditional detailing with more modern elements. Thomas Hamel & Associates and Tzannes ensure the transformation of a generous home into an enriched celebration of everyday living.

Throughout its multiple levels, the existing exterior of the heritage house provided the ideal canvas for a more contemporary reworking, folding in elements that connect both the past and present. An overarching openness binds the interior and exterior spaces, with newly formed access points across thresholds formed to bring elements of the surrounding natural landscape inside the residence. Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and originally designed and built in the Victorian era, the new elements become an expression of time whilst conveying the lifestyle of the current residents. With architecture by Tzannes and interior design by Thomas Hamel & Associates, the resulting home is one that sublimely reflects a life lived outdoors.

In the formation of the original home, there lies a certain structure and consideration to how it is experienced when moving through it, and this informed a key part of the its new rhythm.

Whilst maintaining the original proportions and grandeur of the residence, its newly connected interiors needed to reflect how homes are occupied today. Allowing the original and restored cornices and skirtings to represent its past, more linear, refined insertions mark the present. Preparing for the future, a level of flexibility is integrated into the planning, allowing for the more open and active areas to bring people together whilst ensuring other passive spaces remain separate. In the formation of the original home, there lies a certain structure and consideration to how it is experienced when moving through it, and this informed a key part of its new rhythm.

Although much of what already existed within the residence could be repurposed, slight and subtle alterations to some elements was needed. For instance, each of the fireplaces were relocated to be more central and reinforce an order to the planning, whilst the decorative staircase that connects the levels catches the eye with its crafted nature. An animated palette is used throughout, which is then used to counter the more muted base elements within the home, allowing the eye to travel naturally over the elements that draw them in the most.

Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and originally designed and built in the Victorian era, the new elements become an expression of time whilst conveying the lifestyle of the current residents.

Respecting its existing charm and character, the transformation of Sydney Residence ensures its relevance and longevity. Adding to both the home’s value and how it engages with the surrounds, Thomas Hamel & Associates and Tzannes also ensure the personalities of the owners remain present within its steeped history.