Delightful Curves Abound in This Revamped Cottage in Sydney

Set on a tight, five-meter-wide plot in Annandale, an inner suburb of Sydney, the 100-year-old cottage that Carter Williamson Architects was tasked with renovating posed a challenge: The firm needed to maintain the heritage exterior within a row of eight homes from the same era—while giving the interiors ample living space and lots of light. 

The home, named Concrete Blonde, required careful planning, and is organized to utilized every inch of space as it unfolds like an "architectural jewelry box." 

The homeowners, Irene and Peter, wanted to create a place where they could gather with friends and family, as well as a calm retreat cushioned from street noise.

The firm preserved the heritage front porch, which opens to a hallway lined with original molding and an arched form which now serves as a subtle transition into the updated interiors. The renovated rear portion of the home is connected to the front bedroom and new bathroom via a split staircase leading up to the main bedroom and a studio, and down to the living space. A tiled and plant-filled courtyard divides the dwelling’s public and private spaces, with one side bordering the main living area and the other adding a window to the bathroom and the stairs.

The open-plan living space flows from the step-down entry into the kitchen and dining area straight into the back yard. "These four spaces— outdoor, kitchen, living, and dining—come together as one, creating the heart of the home," explains architect and project lead Ben Peake. Light filters through multiple sources including an arch-shaped void that references the curved form in the front hallway.