Tonal Cohesion – The Redfern Project by Thodey Design and Kate Lawrence Interiors
The Redfern Project sees Thodey Design and Kate Lawrence Interiors breathe new life into an existing cottage, crafting a residence that balances traditional design with a contemporary use of natural light and textural elements. Both architect and designer seamlessly blend function and warmth, which resonates with the young family who call this corner terrace home.
Located in Redfern, an inner southern suburb of Sydney, The Redfern Project is an inviting, repurposed sanctuary – a small dwelling that carefully optimises all available space to establish designated realms for various family undertakings. Modern living areas are reimagined as quiet places for retreat and intertwine with indoor-outdoor spaces reserved for lively gathering. More private zones are comfortably pushed to the edges of the form, maximising opportunities for entertaining in shared areas.
Modern living areas are reimagined as quiet places for retreat and intertwine with indoor-outdoor spaces reserved for lively gathering.
Site constraints result in a clever appropriation of adjacent areas, which are used to create atmosphere and volume, expanding the perceived space. Windows have been placed up high, above the eye-level of passers-by, allowing for views of neighbouring treetop foliage and for sunlight to flood the home from multiple directions. The floating staircase is also bathed in natural light from the above windows, which open up to the sky and welcome in views beyond.
Externally encased in soft, grey brickwork and standing seam metal cladding, the addition references the surrounding scale and materiality of the residence, however, with a modern material application. Curves are a repeating element throughout the design, used to soften edges and direct movement as one moves through the residence, particularly upon arrival. Brickwork folds to subtly announce a new entry point, which ushers people into the heart of the home. A central courtyard pool spills from the main living space, which then leads to the garage at the rear of the site, with the main residence at the front.
Internally, the palette is calm, inviting and relaxing, with a focus on warm and tactile elements that are robust in nature. Light timber flooring flows through primary living spaces, presenting a unified palette and echoing external decking around the pool. The compact yet functional kitchen features warm veining on benchtops, combined with the delicate joinery details and a rangehood shroud by timber shelving. Tonality is celebrated through neutral, textured and softly glazed tiles that feature alongside these carefully selected moments. The gentle shift of colour on the tiles echoes movement as light dances across them.
By adapting to the site’s constraints, Thodey Design and Kate Lawrence Interiors have ensured the resulting home is a robust yet warm celebration of rich domesticity, suited to family life for many years to come.
