Tonal Interaction – Turramurra Threads by Benn + Penna

As the neutral tones of its interior spill into the garden space, Turramurra Threads feels deliberately nestled into its outdoor complement. Crafted by Benn + Penna, the renovated home is filled with a sense of peace resulting from its understated design.

Surrounded by charming heritage buildings on the northern outskirts of Sydney, Turramurra Threads reimagines an existing Victorian construction. The design brief called for the historic front windows and delicate ceiling detailing to be retained with an extension to be added to the rear – celebrating architectural character in unison with modern amenity. In addition, the garden was identified as an under-utilised space primed for an activation reminiscent of the work performed on neighbouring sites.

The design brief called for the historic front windows and delicate ceiling detailing to be retained with an extension to be added to the rear – celebrating architectural character in unison with modern amenity.

Featuring the original façade, Turramurra Threads captures a simple spatial plan, directing residents from the old structure into the new. A secondary living space and master bedroom sit perpendicular to the entrance corridor which leads onto three bedrooms and a study. Beyond, the extension forms a primary living pavilion, opening at its far end to reveal the garden. Within the pavilion, a tonal interaction takes place across a natural materiality – timber floorboards depict a rhythmic visual pattern, natural stone benchtops cohere with elements of concrete and further additions of grey are contrasted by black, linear aspects. The aesthetic outcome is comforting as well as complementary to a soaring arch detail which pays homage to the pre-existing framed entry of the house.

Rays of sunlight penetrate Turramurra Threads from three points of entry, indicating a studious approach to natural lighting. The beams enter from a small pocket garden that serves as a transparent border between the historic and additional architecture and a large skylight positioned on the southern slope of the roof. As the sun tracks across the sky, light dips onto different faces of the building, illuminating the interior from fascinating angles. Alongside the immediate connection to the garden, the generous dosage of light forms one of the most compelling aspects of the reimagined dwelling.

Alongside the immediate connection to the garden, the generous dosage of light forms one of the most compelling aspects of the reimagined dwelling.

Enhancing the functionality of the heritage home, Benn + Penna creates an open interior landscape that engages with the garden space. Turramurra Threads is built to embrace the natural surrounds, using its subtle properties to instil a resounding sense of calm within.