Architecture
6 Inner-City Terrace Renovations That Conquer Common Problems
Take inspiration from these innovative terraces that overcame common design challenges, from heritage restrictions to privacy problems
So you bought your dream home in the city – the terrace you’ve always longed for. But hang on, no one ever mentioned the fact that they can be dark, outdated and low on storage space. But fear not, because clever renovations will solve those niggling problems and ensure your terrace is in tip-top shape. When renovating your terrace, don’t simply update what’s already there. Use it as an opportunity to completely rethink how your home works and how it can perform better. Read on to learn from the professionals what you can do to fix your architectural issues.
Problem: Strict heritage controls
Solution: Double-storey extension set back from the street to appease council
Many local councils have strict planning controls on terraces that prevent you from altering the street frontage of your home. Don’t let that worry you, though. Nic Owen Architects prove, with their Fitzroy North project, that a new double-height space to the rear of your home can be inconspicuous from the street and still provide a vibrant open-plan living space for modern families. You can achieve a set-back pop-up extension in any terrace renovation even if you don’t have the benefit of laneway frontage, as they do here.
“We had to carefully study the available height and play within the height limits,” says Owen. “The solution was to create a vaulted first-floor ceiling with a low pitching height while not impacting on the south neighbour’s access to sunlight.”
See more photos of this project
Solution: Double-storey extension set back from the street to appease council
Many local councils have strict planning controls on terraces that prevent you from altering the street frontage of your home. Don’t let that worry you, though. Nic Owen Architects prove, with their Fitzroy North project, that a new double-height space to the rear of your home can be inconspicuous from the street and still provide a vibrant open-plan living space for modern families. You can achieve a set-back pop-up extension in any terrace renovation even if you don’t have the benefit of laneway frontage, as they do here.
“We had to carefully study the available height and play within the height limits,” says Owen. “The solution was to create a vaulted first-floor ceiling with a low pitching height while not impacting on the south neighbour’s access to sunlight.”
See more photos of this project
2. Treetop House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Problem: Privacy issues
Solution: A privacy screen that doesn’t look like a privacy screen
By their very nature, terraces have close neighbouring properties. This can make rear extensions a challenge, because of the need to maintain privacy, both for yourself and neighbours. Here at Treetop House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, a unique tree motif achieves the required 70 per cent screening to prevent overlooking. It was inspired by the shadow created from an existing tree on the site that had to be removed.
So instead of simply building a timber screen or frosting your windows, why not explore more beautiful and poetic ways to maintain you and your neighbours’ privacy? “Utilising alternative ways to create privacy means you can avoid ‘accessories’ such as frosted glass or opaque louvers and instead create a scenario that seems less about closing and more about integrating with the architecture and the story of the building,” says Phil Burns from Matt Gibson Architecture + Design.
Problem: Privacy issues
Solution: A privacy screen that doesn’t look like a privacy screen
By their very nature, terraces have close neighbouring properties. This can make rear extensions a challenge, because of the need to maintain privacy, both for yourself and neighbours. Here at Treetop House by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design, a unique tree motif achieves the required 70 per cent screening to prevent overlooking. It was inspired by the shadow created from an existing tree on the site that had to be removed.
So instead of simply building a timber screen or frosting your windows, why not explore more beautiful and poetic ways to maintain you and your neighbours’ privacy? “Utilising alternative ways to create privacy means you can avoid ‘accessories’ such as frosted glass or opaque louvers and instead create a scenario that seems less about closing and more about integrating with the architecture and the story of the building,” says Phil Burns from Matt Gibson Architecture + Design.
Problem: Dark, narrow spaces
Solution: Long, narrow skylights
In the same home, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has also found a way to bring light into the long, narrow spaces terraces are renowned for. A long, thin skylight brings light into what would otherwise be a dark corridor. The light wall helps to bounce light through the home. Creating a corridor that works as both circulation space and is light-enhancing is a great idea to incorporate into your terrace renovation.
See more photos of this project
Solution: Long, narrow skylights
In the same home, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has also found a way to bring light into the long, narrow spaces terraces are renowned for. A long, thin skylight brings light into what would otherwise be a dark corridor. The light wall helps to bounce light through the home. Creating a corridor that works as both circulation space and is light-enhancing is a great idea to incorporate into your terrace renovation.
See more photos of this project
3. Cross-Stitch House by FMD Architects
Problem: Connecting old and new spaces
Solution: Matching old and new materials, colours and ceiling heights
Dealing with the connection between old and new can be a challenge in any renovation. FMD Architects have found an intriguing way to connect old and new by ‘stitching’ the two together with structural timber. Given that the owner is a collector of tapestries, Cross-Stitch House is both fun and appropriate. Try to tie your spaces together with matching flooring, identical paint colours (even if you’re painting different materials) and continuous ceiling heights to allow your spaces to flow. This will help your new home feel more spacious – like it was always meant to be.
Problem: Connecting old and new spaces
Solution: Matching old and new materials, colours and ceiling heights
Dealing with the connection between old and new can be a challenge in any renovation. FMD Architects have found an intriguing way to connect old and new by ‘stitching’ the two together with structural timber. Given that the owner is a collector of tapestries, Cross-Stitch House is both fun and appropriate. Try to tie your spaces together with matching flooring, identical paint colours (even if you’re painting different materials) and continuous ceiling heights to allow your spaces to flow. This will help your new home feel more spacious – like it was always meant to be.
Problem: Tight spaces
Solution: Mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space
FMD Architects have also used mirrors to stunning effect. The mirrors at Cross-Stitch House help to make the narrow terrace feel more spacious and light. This benchtop appears to hover above the floor, but it’s actually disguising a tonne of useful storage. Try to make your cupboards and storage areas reflect light by using gloss paints, light colours or mirrored surfaces and your narrow terrace will feel twice the size.
See more photos of this project
Solution: Mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space
FMD Architects have also used mirrors to stunning effect. The mirrors at Cross-Stitch House help to make the narrow terrace feel more spacious and light. This benchtop appears to hover above the floor, but it’s actually disguising a tonne of useful storage. Try to make your cupboards and storage areas reflect light by using gloss paints, light colours or mirrored surfaces and your narrow terrace will feel twice the size.
See more photos of this project
4. House Bruce Alexander by Tribe Studio Architects
Problem: An austere rear facade
Solution: A fun, living wall that will grow and change over time
In a terrace situation, you likely only have two facades to deal with – and the historical frontage will have to stay as is! So make sure you have fun with the rear. Infusing the new rear facade with a sense of modernity and playfulness will help your home settle into its new 21st-century life.
As well as letting in natural light, the rear elevation of your terrace could double as a green wall, as seen in this project. Alternatively, it could be a bright, welcoming colour, incorporate playful windows or use operable screens for flexibility.
Problem: An austere rear facade
Solution: A fun, living wall that will grow and change over time
In a terrace situation, you likely only have two facades to deal with – and the historical frontage will have to stay as is! So make sure you have fun with the rear. Infusing the new rear facade with a sense of modernity and playfulness will help your home settle into its new 21st-century life.
As well as letting in natural light, the rear elevation of your terrace could double as a green wall, as seen in this project. Alternatively, it could be a bright, welcoming colour, incorporate playful windows or use operable screens for flexibility.
Problem: Limited storage space
Solution: Alternative storage solutions
No matter how extensive your renovation, your terrace is in the inner city, so you’re never going to be flush with space. That’s why creative storage solutions will make all the difference to how liveable your new home is. We’ve already looked at ways to disguise storage with mirrors, but what about some other creative ideas? At House Bruce Alexander, the architects looked up to find an ingenious way to store the owner’s bike. You can also use built-in seating to double as storage, utilise the space under stairs for a bookcase, or create a false floor in a kid’s room for easy (and fun) toy storage.
See more photos of this project
Solution: Alternative storage solutions
No matter how extensive your renovation, your terrace is in the inner city, so you’re never going to be flush with space. That’s why creative storage solutions will make all the difference to how liveable your new home is. We’ve already looked at ways to disguise storage with mirrors, but what about some other creative ideas? At House Bruce Alexander, the architects looked up to find an ingenious way to store the owner’s bike. You can also use built-in seating to double as storage, utilise the space under stairs for a bookcase, or create a false floor in a kid’s room for easy (and fun) toy storage.
See more photos of this project
5. Mary Street Residence by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
Problem: Poor connection to the outdoors
Solution: Blur the boundaries between inside and out with full-height openable windows and materials that cross the threshold
At Mary Street Residence, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has reinterpreted the traditional light well to create a space somewhere between inside and out. A built-in unit extends through both spaces, a timber deck matches the internal floor, while full-height sliding glass doors open the home seamlessly to the outdoors, completing the illusion. Pools of natural light and a lush green creeper are the only hint that this space is actually outdoors.
Problem: Poor connection to the outdoors
Solution: Blur the boundaries between inside and out with full-height openable windows and materials that cross the threshold
At Mary Street Residence, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has reinterpreted the traditional light well to create a space somewhere between inside and out. A built-in unit extends through both spaces, a timber deck matches the internal floor, while full-height sliding glass doors open the home seamlessly to the outdoors, completing the illusion. Pools of natural light and a lush green creeper are the only hint that this space is actually outdoors.
Problem: A wasted front yard
Solution: Repurpose the front yard as a private courtyard
Some terraces are set back from the street, creating a large front garden, which traditionally would have been a formal garden. Mary Street Residence proves there’s no need to stick to convention when it comes to spacious front gardens. While sticking with the formal theme, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has created a private courtyard at the front of the home. Who says you have to have a spacious backyard for entertaining?
See more photos of this project
Solution: Repurpose the front yard as a private courtyard
Some terraces are set back from the street, creating a large front garden, which traditionally would have been a formal garden. Mary Street Residence proves there’s no need to stick to convention when it comes to spacious front gardens. While sticking with the formal theme, Matt Gibson Architecture + Design has created a private courtyard at the front of the home. Who says you have to have a spacious backyard for entertaining?
See more photos of this project
6. South Melbourne House by Mitsuori Architects
Problem: Snooze-worthy spaces and no connection between levels
Solution: A double-height space around the stairs that doubles as a light well
South Melbourne House by Mitsuori Architects uses the insertion of a new staircase and skylights to create a dramatic double-height space that pours natural light into the centre of the house. “Our client requested the creation of interesting internal spaces that would allow the family to enjoy time together while also providing separate zones for studying, reading, socialising and relaxing,” says Matthew Murfett of Mitsuori Architects. This was achieved by designing a show-stopping sculptural timber staircase that connects the main living space with a first floor studio, concealed master bedroom and children’s bedroom zone.
Problem: Snooze-worthy spaces and no connection between levels
Solution: A double-height space around the stairs that doubles as a light well
South Melbourne House by Mitsuori Architects uses the insertion of a new staircase and skylights to create a dramatic double-height space that pours natural light into the centre of the house. “Our client requested the creation of interesting internal spaces that would allow the family to enjoy time together while also providing separate zones for studying, reading, socialising and relaxing,” says Matthew Murfett of Mitsuori Architects. This was achieved by designing a show-stopping sculptural timber staircase that connects the main living space with a first floor studio, concealed master bedroom and children’s bedroom zone.
Problem: No garden
Solution: Maximise greenery in leftover spaces with creepers and bamboo
Never underestimate the calming and refreshing impact plants can have on your home. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to terrace renovations, but given space constraints, some terrace owners are left with nothing but a barren courtyard at the end of their building project. By opening up the rear of the house to the outdoors, you not only let in natural light and air, but by dedicating even the tiniest slither to some leafy creepers, small shrubs or bamboo, you’ll also bring in the sights and sounds of nature. No amount of polished timber flooring or marble benchtops can compete with that.
See more photos of this project
TELL US
Have you renovated your terrace? We would love to hear what you’ve done to it. Let us in the Comments section.
MORE
5 City Terrace Houses That Surprise: Inside and Out
Houzz Tour: Bondi Terrace Reno Captures Light
Houzz Tour: Historic Victorian Terrace Plays by the Rules
Solution: Maximise greenery in leftover spaces with creepers and bamboo
Never underestimate the calming and refreshing impact plants can have on your home. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to terrace renovations, but given space constraints, some terrace owners are left with nothing but a barren courtyard at the end of their building project. By opening up the rear of the house to the outdoors, you not only let in natural light and air, but by dedicating even the tiniest slither to some leafy creepers, small shrubs or bamboo, you’ll also bring in the sights and sounds of nature. No amount of polished timber flooring or marble benchtops can compete with that.
See more photos of this project
TELL US
Have you renovated your terrace? We would love to hear what you’ve done to it. Let us in the Comments section.
MORE
5 City Terrace Houses That Surprise: Inside and Out
Houzz Tour: Bondi Terrace Reno Captures Light
Houzz Tour: Historic Victorian Terrace Plays by the Rules
Problem: Clumsy pre-existing lean-to
Solution: Complete reconfiguration of rear spaces
Many terraces have been extended with clumsy service lean-tos on the rear. Nic Owen Architects demonstrate how to reconfigure a dysfunctional terrace with their Fitzroy North project. “The existing lean-to was in very average condition and did not address to backyard at all,” says Owen.
The architects have left the front two rooms intact, while a central service core replaces the old lean-to and separates the original front rooms and the new rear extension. This leaves the rear of the home completely open to a functional rear courtyard. Full-height glass and cathedral ceilings create a light and uplifting new living area. “The new extension overlooks the rear yard and neighbouring trees, borrowing views to create a greater feeling of space within a limited footprint,” Owen explains.