The architectural language of Ted Quinton

Ted adds, “As architects and designers, we are all influenced. There is an emulation process of the things we see and love. My European and Mediterranean background has profoundly influenced me to appreciate a grounded, earthy, and solid application of architecture.”

Ted Quinton’s practice resides in Sydney, which he comments has its own unique architectural context. “Sydney is historically more conservative than Melbourne,” remarks Ted. “But in the last 10 years we’ve evolved to desiring natural colour and texture through selective materiality in the design, which is producing some really wonderful buildings across the board.”

“The residential buildings in Sydney are now old and impractical for modern living, so we are witnessing a potential wave of building work, with great opportunities for renovating and new builds.” 

“People don't want to move from the areas they love and with the high cost of purchasing, they are much better off staying and investing in their current place.”

The Camperdown House was reconfigured through an extensive renovation and reimagining of an existing freestanding terrace-style house. “The clients desired the creation of distinct spaces for family use with separation between adults and children as needed,” says Ted.

While the living area has been retained at the front of the house, an expansive space has been designed at the rear, including a kitchen and dining area opening onto the lush back garden.  

“Considering the depth of the space, a simple monochromatic material palette was utilised to reflect light across various surfaces and planes,” explains Ted. A polished concrete floor solidifies the white plaster finish and painted brick walls, while exposed timber floor joists are painted white to enhance the perception of vertical height.

Ted remarks, “Camperdown house is interior-orientated. The terrace presented the challenge of reduced airflow and light, thanks to its mishmash of staircases, rooms and levels.

“We needed to increase the practical spaces, drawing in more natural light and circulate airflow,” says Ted.

The solution was a dramatic, lightweight staircase that transformed the terrace into a four-level house, while a unique metal curtain addressed both the handrail and lighting issues upstairs.

Ted describes Hawks Nest as a holiday retreat for his clients, with the vision of a large roof sheltering a loosely arranged set of open-air living and sleeping spaces below. A spacious circular courtyard is said to symbolise and frame the night sky above. “In that location, the stars are simply breathtaking,” says Ted.

“Hawks Nest encapsulates an architectural language that feels familiar to most, infused with Mediterranean influences of solid forms and open spaces that embrace the natural surroundings while being attuned to the needs of our Australian context and climate.”

Ted notes that while he is passionate about private residential buildings, the current form of his practice is evolving with projects such as a Tennis centre and a multi-use theatre and commercial space. 

“The practice has some really interesting projects in the pipeline, including work abroad in Turkey and Mexico,” he says. “The trajectory of the practice is really exciting.”

Discover more projects by Ted Quinton Architecture or discuss your renovation or new build with Ted Quinton today on ArchiPro.