Timeless Character – Woollahra Terrace by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Reimagined for contemporary family living, Woollahra Terrace undergoes a transformation that reshapes it into an enduring residence for the years ahead. By blending elements of timelessness and classical detailing, along with a light, harmonious colour scheme, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects imbues a sense of practicality throughout the existing heritage home.
Previously a sombre abode, Woollahra Terrace has undergone a transformation into a warm and vibrant family residence. Retaining the original framework and maximising a sense of openness without compromising the inherent integrity of the dwelling was key to the reworking. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects skilfully blends heritage and contemporary elements, striking a balance between open and closed spaces to ensure a charming ambiance prevailed throughout. “Woollahra Terrace’s thoughtful adaptation into a tranquil and evocative family home relies on creating different focal points in the interior spaces, together with new vistas and spatial layering within the home,” says Madeleine of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects.
Maintaining the heritage of the home holds significance in the Woollahra area, as it serves as a response to context. The integration of old and new elements is where the architect establishes a distinct identity tailored to suit its current owners. “The task was to recover the vibrancy and uniqueness of the existing house while enhancing this by adding the necessary proportions in the new addition for a life filled with pleasure, wellbeing and family connection,” says Madeleine. Navigating the constraints inherent in the terrace home format was important, and a portion and the revitalisation efforts occurred discreetly behind the façade to preserve the character of the streetscape.
Ensuring ample natural light and cultivating a sense of grandeur were also key considerations. The integration of meticulously crafted joinery throughout refines and elevates daily experiences within the residence. The finishes, characterised by a neutral base palette, enhance a feeling of spaciousness inside. “A monochrome background palette to the home,” says Madeleine, “is offset by such framed repetition of scenes of greenery that are viewed through square steel window and door frames.” Integrating natural elements into the heart of the dwelling softens the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the ever-changing seasons can be experienced throughout the year.
Through a simplified approach, Woollahra Terrace is transformed into a serene and expressive abode. In response to the evolving needs and functions of the family home since its initial construction, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects anticipates the upcoming chapters by introducing more natural light and increasing a sense of openness throughout.
