Architecture

A Sydney Home That Channels Old Italian Grandeur

Italianate architecture emerged in the 19th century, inspired by Italian Renaissance aesthetics – think classical arches, vaults, domes and incredible moulding and decorative detailing. And of course, no shortage of glistening marble!

Today’s architectural home in Sydney is a renovated three-story Italianate-style terrace and stable by Renato D’Ettorre Architecture in Surry Hills. The architects have translated influences of historical grandeur into the contemporary Australian context – marble and all.

Written
by
Lucy Feagins

The renovated three-story Italianate-style terrace and stable. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The project is by Renato D’Ettorre Architecture. Photo – Simone Bossi.

Inside the Surry Hills home. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The architects have translated influences of historical grandeur into the contemporary Australian context. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The property is L-shaped, encompassing carriageway, stable, pool, carport and stone fencing! Photo – Simone Bossi.

Oppulent ‘blinging’ touches in the kitchen. Photo – Simone Bossi.

Kitchen details. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The home exudes a modern-meets-classic atmosphere. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The architects also worked to highlight and feature a number of arches within the building. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The residence has a distinct sense of European grandeur. Photo – Simone Bossi.

The heritage-listed property required skilled stonemasons to preserve and repair the sandstone walls. Photo – Simone Bossi.

This house also looks to the future, through considered approaches to sustainability. Photo – Simone Bossi.

A host of local craftspeople were engaged on the project. Photo – Simone Bossi.

Interior timber mouldings, stair balusters and re-discovered ornate walls have been returned to their former glory. Photo – Simone Bossi.

Materials employed create a tactile connection between past and present. Photo – Simone Bossi.

Gold features in the bathrooms too! Photo – Simone Bossi.

And, of course, marble reigns! Photo – Simone Bossi.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
31st of August 2018

Renato D’Ettorre Architecture was enlisted to transform this grand 1890s three-storey terrace house and stable into a contemporary family home. The generous L-shaped property includes a terrace house with carriageway, stable and grounds including a pool, carport and stone fencing! In considering the re-design, the architects were inspired by the historic feel of the building, settling on an Italianate translation which is both classic and contemporary.

This modern-meets-classical dynamic was achieved through the introduction of a double height brick vault ceiling, and the restoration of ornate fireplaces, staircases and the entry glass panelled door. The architects also worked to highlight and feature a number of arches within the building, lending the home a distinct sense of European grandeur. The materials here, too, create a tactile connection between past and present, as terracotta tiles, Carrara marble and white stuccoed walls provide a visual link between Italy and Surry Hills!

This house also looks to the future, through considered approaches to sustainability. The home is passively cooled, and uses underfloor gas heating and hydronic radiators in conjunction with double glazing and strategically placed skylights. The carport roof is topped with greenery, and in winter the conservatory is transformed into a wintergarden. Fresh inclusions of blinging gold in the bathroom and kitchen also place the home firmly the present!

The heritage listed property required skilled stonemasons to preserve and repair the sandstone walls, in order to bring the grandeur of the past into the modern day. Engaging craftspeople on the home also allowed smaller details, such as interior timber mouldings, stair balusters and re-discovered ornate walls to be returned to their former glory. Viva Italia!

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