Revealing charm in light of North Sydney’s heritage character

| GURINGAI COUNTRY | CREMORNE NSW | COMPLETED 2022 |

This 1915 Edwardian semi-detached home came with some unsuitable 1980’s modifications, however much of the original architectural form remained. Once structured as a boarding house, the Cremorne home has been architecturally reconfigured via strategic alterations and additions. The spaces now beautifully connect allowing sunlight and views through the house. Appointed for contemporary living, the house also preserves heritage features and respects the context of the harbourside neighbourhood. 

Inviting the light: The new design capitalised on the northern aspect of the long side of the federation duplex. A shaded side porch was converted via a glass roof into a sunny private living space, maximising space adjacent to the large chef style kitchen and tucked away scullery. Strategically placed windows bring light into new bathrooms upstairs.

Effortless living: The steeply sloping site and previous layout boxed in rooms and limited connection. The whole ground floor living area now flows effortlessly from the lounge overlooking the garden and street through to the private rear courtyard tucked below the rear laneway. A lift from the garage above plus reconfigured stairs forms a sunny, open air, landscaped courtyard. Wide doorways connect the kitchen directly to the courtyard for private family gathering and entertaining. The subtle transitions visually connect room to room and importantly, facilitate the accessibility required for easy living for all ages.. The Architect’s re-imagining of this home brought clever partitioning allowing the owner’s vision for personalised creative style to be beautifully expressed.

Conserving the character: Located in a North Sydney Heritage conservation zone, the design of this home had to consider the streetscape and neighbouring North Shore Federation homes. Baxter & Jacobson Architects’ management and experience was undeniably valued from design to completion. Not to mention that the project was completed whilst navigating the complexity of COVID lock downs. BJA’s sound understanding of relevant planning controls, a smooth approvals process with local government authorities and a great construction team saw this project to completion. Unsympathetic extensions were removed whilst Heritage features such as preserved brick and terracotta chimney details, leadlight windows  and the rough-cast render to match existing, contribute to the unified streetscape.

In conclusion, the Architect’s considered alterations and additions have rationalised the ad-hoc layout; creating generous connected spaces for living, capitalising sunlight and views. The architecture is  complemented by the Owner’s artistic touch which has personalised the elegance and practicality achieved by BJA.

| Project Architect: Leith Schmidt | Builder: ARC | Landscape Designer: Studio Plum | Photographer: Chris Warnes |