Nestled within Sydney’s historic Millers Point, this 1860s Victorian terrace has been reimagined as a serene family sanctuary—where patina-rich surfaces meet contemporary elegance. The curated interiors tell a story of history-infused maximalism, where every layer reveals a detail in service of heritage, emotion, and craft. Lorena Gaxiola’s poetic vision was to celebrate the family’s tri-cultural identity through salvaged timbers, artisanal finishes, and restrained yet expressive craftsmanship. From reinstated cornices to hand-finished brass accents and kauri floorboards, each intervention evokes a dialogue between past and present. Realising that vision required deft navigation of significant constraints: extensive structural damage from decades of water ingress and termites, heritage restrictions that demanded visual continuity, and tight access that challenged the logistics of modern construction. As designers, we oversaw every detail—from heritage review and documentation to construction coordination and bespoke installations. Threading new electrical, climate, and plumbing systems through fragile timber bones took surgical precision. Yet the results were seamless: original chandeliers revived, floorboards restored or matched with reclaimed timber, and American oak joinery paired with brass trims and marble mosaics brought new life to tired volumes. Design decisions were driven by sustainability, narrative, and craftsmanship. Custom pieces were commissioned from masters in their field—such as Lowe Furniture’s bespoke creations and a custom mural by Indigenous artist Danie Mellor, which pays homage to the family’s cultural roots. Each space was approached with emotion and intentionality, particularly the bathrooms which the client described simply and joyfully as: “The bathrooms make me happy.” Every room in the home unfolds like a story—patterned tiles, textured stone, and layered materials come together to offer intimate moments of discovery. Our commitment extended from spatial planning to final flourishes. We handled styling, soft furnishing installation, custom window treatments, and every curated object. Furniture was sourced locally, materials were salvaged when possible, and thoughtful detailing elevated every corner. The result is a timeless, emotionally resonant home—one that celebrates craftsmanship, elevates functionality, and preserves a precious piece of Sydney’s architectural legacy for generations to come.

This materially rich house is designed to make the most of its sub-tropical location. Privacy is maintained from the street through layers of screening and landscape that surround the cobbled forecourt. A scalloped and curved concrete form pushes out towards the street engaging with the neighbourhood with planting spilling down the textured wall. Once visitors pass beneath the planted concrete awning, the water views reveal themselves slowly as you pass through a series of living spaces. This house plan is arranged to encourage prevailing breezes to pass through interior spaces that are rich with natural light. Screening on the first floor shifts dynamically according to required function. Upper screen folds allow views to the sky and tree canopy, while lower folds reveal garden views while maintaining privacy.

A light-filled living room featuring a curved boucle sectional sofa, layered with warm-toned cushions and paired with nested timber coffee tables. Custom built-in joinery with a window seat maximises function while maintaining a minimalist, cozy aesthetic.

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

A cozy family lounge featuring a plaster fireplace with marble hearth and direct access to a private balcony. Floor-to-ceiling timber-framed doors, sheer curtains, and greenery beyond create a light-filled space that blends comfort with outdoor connection.