Located in one of Sydney's most iconic heritage precincts, this terrace house originally built in the 1890's has been restored and transformed into a contemporary family home. Sitting proudly, the interiors unfold to reveal a harmonious blend of old and new. Celebrating the rich tapestry of the Millers Point history.

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Our long-standing client gave us the early privilege of being part of the process of searching and purchasing a heritage property. This unique opportunity allowed us a high level of engagement from very early in the project.

 

The Vermont Terraces were an intact and rare example of a pair of early Federation Queen Anne style terrace dwellings. A State Heritage designated site can come with its own challenges, however this is where the opportunities arose. Working with the original heritage fabric to restore and celebrate its history, whilst developing spaces, facilities and technologies to suit the lifestyle of a modern family with four children.

Considerations included increasing the cross-ventilation and natural daylight to the Lower Ground level by the widening of the doorway to the kitchen. The ability to
remove the later added timber flooring at the lower level (under archaeologist supervision) allowed the addition of subfloor ventilation and hydronic heating.

Lath and plaster walls, plaster detailing and tuck-point details were restored using minimally invasive techniques. Reimaging previously lost details using old techniques
included sandcasting the house plaque and a custom-made modern interpretation of a washstand. A carefully incorporated additional bathroom on Level one increased
the amenity for the family.

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Managing the functional requirements of a modern family by adapting a space whilst maintaining a reverence to the significance of a heritage dwelling requires delicate balance. The reuse of materials, maintaining them onsite under heritage guidance, offered opportunities to re-imagine them in useful, relevant forms. Flagstone paving was lifted, numbered cleaned and replaced. The bricks from the base that had once cradled the laundry copper, were reused to provide an extended garden edging. Here children can sit under the shady Honey Locust tree in the courtyard. Collaboration with the landscape designer led to the remnant servants ladder stringers from the light-well being used to hang pants from, with integrated copper irrigation.

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The incorporation of effective cross ventilation and landscaping that enhanced the enjoyment of the urban laneway were key. This was balanced with the incorporation of modern air-conditioning, automation control systems and insulation without degrading the heritage fabric.

Australian lighting, artwork and furniture is featured within the selections alongside key items from overseas. Thus, celebrating the unique history of the house and indeed it's original fixturing. The family who built the house, were jewellers who had travelled enroute from Ireland. Door hardware and window locks, once cleaned and restored were discovered to be from the United States. To celebrate its rich history, articles from circa 1880 were chosen to sit alongside more modern and timeless classics, including the restored wall clock and a sextant. An antique Flavelle Brothers token penny and other items that were found on site were carefully framed by an archival framer. The history of the house, its owners, the Millers point precinct and Sydney are celebrated throughout the house with a carefully curated series of
photographs printed on cotton rag, all retrieved from both City of Sydney Archives and the National Library of Australia.