A Structural Reset

The Elizabeth Bay project involved a comprehensive structural reset. A double-height, elongated living-dining space, with a kitchen attached, was added to the rear where an unoriginal lean-in used to be. Sheltering the living space while overlooking the dining space is a sculptural, wax-rendered mezzanine, arguably the highlight of the entire project. An additional bedroom is housed in the attic of this rear pavilion, which opens out onto Rushcutters Bay Park. Beneath is a basement complete with an oak wine cellar, laundry and gym.

The heritage part of the home – formerly two apartments – has been substantially rationalised to feel more like one comprehensive house. All rooms are now positioned along a central axis at both the ground and first level. The existing staircase has been retained and painted a glossy white, with a stone-coloured waterfall carpet lining the treads.

Architectural Focal Points

In addition to the sculptural mezzanine, the project is brought to fruition by other architectural focal points, including the pond attached to the living space and the marble feature wall in the kitchen. The pond lies on the other side of a single pane of glass and is lined with black granite, making it appear bottomless and glassy. In the centre of the pond lies a single tree, adding an essential source of greenery to the space. The marble feature wall in the kitchen is intended to echo a dramatic contemporary artwork: an imaginative use of the material.