Staircase

Beautiful stair treads in Vic Ash spiral up into the stair void as natural light washes down from the full length skylight above. An elegant piece of steel lines the top of the timber battens, marrying in to the existing steel balustrade below.

A unique and character-filled home in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Forest Lodge, Inner-western is an example of living well, in less space. Upon meeting the clients, it was evident that this would be a special project. They’re a creative couple with an eye for funky furniture and art with a ‘Western’ edge. The previously tired terrace now shines with personality in every room. Due to the strict heritage controls over the property, no additional floor area was created, instead, it was an exercise in recompositing of the existing layout, improving the flow through the home, and providing adequate space for their two young children, as well as spaces for their work and hobbies. Upon entering the pastel-pink front door, instead of being confronted with a dark hallway typical of a terrace home, you’re welcomed by a generous volume of well-lit space, and an open-tread feature staircase. The original ceiling was completely removed to create a double-height void over the entry. A skylight positioned above the staircase allows light to filter through into the home. Upstairs is a quiet attic art studio, with views over the Jacaranda trees beyond. The lowest level contains a new built-in dining area and kitchen which are directly connected to the private rear garden. The efficient floor plan contains 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry with W.C., kitchen, dining area and living room. Finishes throughout include original exposed brickwork, light oak timber herringbone flooring, and touches of pastel colours, complemented by a colourful collection of artwork and objects.

Mid-century meets modern – this project demonstrates the potential of a heritage renovation that builds upon the past. The major renovations and extension encourage a strong relationship between the landscape, as part of daily life, and cater to a large family passionate about their neighbourhood and entertaining.

Architecture & Interiors: Studio Esteta Photography: Sean Fennessy Located in an enviable position within arm’s reach of a beach pier, the refurbishment of Coastal Beach House references the home’s coastal context and pays homage to it’s mid-century bones. “Our client’s brief sought to rejuvenate the double storey residence, whilst maintaining the existing building footprint”, explains Sarah Cosentino, director of Studio Esteta. As the orientation of the original dwelling already maximized the coastal aspect, the client engaged Studio Esteta to tailor the spatial arrangement to better accommodate their love for entertaining with minor modifications. “In response, our design seeks to be in synergy with the mid-century character that presented, emphasizing its stylistic significance to create a light-filled, serene and relaxed interior that feels wholly connected to the adjacent bay”, Sarah explains. The client’s deep appreciation of the mid-century design aesthetic also called for original details to be preserved or used as reference points in the refurbishment. Items such as the unique wall hooks were repurposed and a light, tactile palette of natural materials was adopted. The neutral backdrop allowed space for the client’s extensive collection of art and ceramics and avoided distracting from the coastal views.

Dawn Smith Photography

Photo by Ryann Ford

Storage integrated into staircase.