Windsor Street House

A 1970’s townhouse in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs has been transformed into a tranquil and spacious family home designed for entertaining, with a hint of a postmodern design aesthetic. Celebrating the original architecture of the building and spread across four split levels, the home designed for a family of five is bathed in light from the north-facing level rear courtyard. The central staircase with its open treads and glass balustrade allows light to travel between the upper and lower levels. A balance between functionality and aesthetics was key to the design, seeing the atypical terrace extended and the former cellar excavated to gain a fourth level to accommodate the needs of the clients. The kitchen has been designed as the main social hub of the house, with an expansive Calacatta marble island and an abundance of storage. The tiled floor, full-height glazing and steel-framed doors unify the space with the tranquil and light drenched courtyard, enhancing the houses original spatial qualities of openness and connection whilst creating a versatile entertaining space. Sympathetic to the idea of the family growing with the house, a classic yet contemporary material palette of timber, stone, rendered walls and v-groove ceilings has been paired with textured marbles and ribbed glass. A pared-back and tonal use of colour is prevalent throughout, whilst contrasted by bold injections of rich navy and golden hues via furniture and art pieces as well as the walnut veneer and mustard toned marble bar, which recalls the 1970’s. Photography by Pablo Veiga