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When Foomann director Jamie Sormann first visited this Farnham Street property to measure the house, it was being leased out, and had just been the scene of a party.
‘There were people asleep everywhere,’ Jamie says.
‘The house had seen better days, particularly the 1970s lean-to extension, but the exterior of the original brick building was beautiful and well preserved. Our intention was to create an addition that was as durable.’
The owners enlisted the architecture firm to replace the lean-to with an updated extension, seeking a more functional space that was filled with natural light and outdoor views.
To achieve this, the architects reworked the brick component on the ground floor. A concrete reveal was established to frame large glass doors that lets the northern light into the living area, while oak timber veneer joinery brings a sense of warmth to the kitchen.
Moving the entryway to the side of the house along a landscaped garden path also improved the dynamic and playful character of the home. A new, vibrant pink door opens to a view of the mint green spiral staircase, as the family’s colourful picture wall and fun furniture rounds out the compact, 65sq m ground-floor space.
‘The interior is intended to reflect the clients’ personalities and tastes,’ Jamie adds.
Upstairs lies a striking timber-clad addition, which contains a study or guest room and encases the void above the family room. Jamie highlights the timber-lined void as ‘the most impactful gesture’ of the project.
‘The clients prioritised the void over additional upstairs floor space as it enhances the quality and experience of the room, infusing it with greater light, loftiness and views,’ he explains.
Creative details including the open shelves and the spiral staircase beside the courtyard help the resulting design feel light and open despite the ‘modest’ sized home for a family of five.
But one thing the home has retained amid all the renovations is its ability to entertain.
‘The home is still a great party house,’ Jamie says. ‘I’ve been to one, so can confirm, [and] I’m pleased that we’ve preserved this aspect of things.’
