Frame Terrace

by McMahon & Nerlich

The transformation of an existing heritage listed terrace house into a modern contemporary space.

The project design was to transform a modest existing heritage house into an open living and contemporary family living space, which accesses plenty of natural light throughout the day.

A variety of internal and external living spaces were designed for the space, to allow for a varying amount of degrees of privacy, and dependence for required for the family.

Working on a small inner-city site was a challenging project for designers McMahon & Nerich, and the builder Sinjen. However, the existing building was in good condition, making it easier to retain the essential aspects of the heritage house.

Many contemporary spaces were added to the existing house, and sit behind and over original retained areas. With the inclusion of a dark folded metal roof which minimises the conceptual bulk of the areas, through a subtle deception of design.

Updates to the design of the terrace, also included a refreshed balcony, and a roof top terrace created for entertainment, or an escape to relax and unwind.

The project continues the practice of researching into updating historic buildings to fit today’s conceptual and functional needs.

“We worked closely with the existing building. As much of the existing structure as possible was retained for sustainability reasons, but also to maintain the heritage of the existing building and the spatial qualities of traditional rooms.”

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