Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Traditional Terrace Meets Its Modern Future
'The Terrace House' coffee table book shows just how far this iconic piece of architecture has come, with this property as a prime example
The traditional terrace is a style Australians know well, with a lengthy past in our major cities dating back to 19th- and early 20th-century terraces. In Thames & Hudson’s latest book, The Terrace House – edited by Cameron Bruhn and Katelin Butler – we are given the opportunity to take a look inside some of the most innovative modern terrace homes across Australia, to see just how far this staple piece of architecture has come.
Husband and wife architects, Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little, decided to play with the past and present when they transformed Tony’s parent’s Victorian terrace in Balmain, Sydney. Together they decided to keep the original facade of the terrace, but to recreate the design of the interior entirely. “We chose the Chenchow and Little project for the cover as we think it is an evocative image of a classic terrace house seen in Australia,” says Butler. “Here, the architects have turned the Victorian terrace on its head.”
Husband and wife architects, Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little, decided to play with the past and present when they transformed Tony’s parent’s Victorian terrace in Balmain, Sydney. Together they decided to keep the original facade of the terrace, but to recreate the design of the interior entirely. “We chose the Chenchow and Little project for the cover as we think it is an evocative image of a classic terrace house seen in Australia,” says Butler. “Here, the architects have turned the Victorian terrace on its head.”
Chenchow’s parents liked the area of Balmain, but weren’t fans of the original terrace layout as it wasn’t receiving enough natural light, and the rear of the house was dominated by the kitchen and an outdoor toilet.
Chenchow says that their goal was to turn all these negatives into positives and make the home work for the retired couple’s lifestyle. The architects inverted the original layout, adding the living area to the first floor and the bedrooms on the ground floor. The three levels of the house are divided over two distinct volumes, with the front volume comprising the bedrooms and bathroom downstairs and the living area above. In the rear volume lies the kitchen and living area, with the master bedroom upstairs.
Photo by John Gollings
Chenchow says that their goal was to turn all these negatives into positives and make the home work for the retired couple’s lifestyle. The architects inverted the original layout, adding the living area to the first floor and the bedrooms on the ground floor. The three levels of the house are divided over two distinct volumes, with the front volume comprising the bedrooms and bathroom downstairs and the living area above. In the rear volume lies the kitchen and living area, with the master bedroom upstairs.
Photo by John Gollings
This tranquil courtyard features a Banksia integrifolia tree and allows natural light to flood this once-dark area of the home. A large glass wall can be opened to this courtyard, which allows a nice breeze to roll through the house on balmy nights.
The neighbour’s yellow wall adds a touch of colour to the home and is in keeping with the heritage nature of a Victorian house, which traditionally would have had each room painted a different colour.
Photo by Katherine Lu
The neighbour’s yellow wall adds a touch of colour to the home and is in keeping with the heritage nature of a Victorian house, which traditionally would have had each room painted a different colour.
Photo by Katherine Lu
The vaulted living room ceiling is a stylish way to let more light into the house, with clear glass bands separated by sculpted white blades. “Having the living level on the top allowed us to exploit that sculptural potential of the skylight and the dramatic spatial qualities of light,” says Chenchow.
Photo by John Gollings
Photo by John Gollings
Chenchow and Little decided to limit the materials they used to timber, glass, steel and white-painted plasterboard, so as to show-off the structural elegance of the house.
Photo by Katherine Lu
Photo by Katherine Lu
Reaching the master bedroom, the use of spotted gum timber increases, which Chenchow and Little intended to give the feeling of intimacy and warmth. The north-facing windows receive ample sunshine and if it gets too bright, black louvres were installed to screen the glare. Chenchow’s parents like that just below, the Banksia integrifolia tree attracts birds in the morning and adds a softness to their view.
Photo by Katherine Lu
Photo by Katherine Lu
‘The Terrace House’ is currently retailing in Australia for $70.
TELL US
What do you love, or hate, about the traditional terrace house? Share your wows and woes in the Comments section.
TELL US
What do you love, or hate, about the traditional terrace house? Share your wows and woes in the Comments section.
Photo by John Gollings