This Victorian villa in Freemans Bay had undergone a series of significant alterations and additions in the mid nineties. The work had been solidly constructed but the layout meant that living rooms were divided and difficult to furnish and there was a lot of space dedicated to circulation. By rationalising the staircases we were able to expand living spaces and provide more convenient connections between different rooms. Clean lines and a layout that encourages long views contribute to the sense of spaciousness. Skylights let in additional daylight to spaces that were previously dark and gloomy. Overall, the new layout provides better relationships between spaces, has made rooms easier to furnish and has allowed the occupants to use all of the house rather than camp out in a couple of rooms.

Photography: Emma Smales