223 Sutherland Street, Paddington

Winner -  People’s Choice Award

Category: B1 Conservation areas: Alterations and additions
Architect: Tzannes Associates
Heritage consultant: Design 5
Builder: A.N.T. Building

Design statement

The site is located within the Paddington Heritage Conservation Area on the corner of a quiet residential street. The existing terrace, built in c1884, was originally a bakery shop and completes a row of terraces along Sutherland Street.

The brief from the client was to convert the dilapidated terrace into a new four bedroom family home, with separate informal and formal living spaces, a media room and 2 car garage. The intent of the brief was to achieve an open plan for the main rooms of the house, linked to the courtyard with privacy for a growing family.

The façade of the front building was retained, while the rear building, which was a later addition of low significance, was demolished.

The main entry and formal living spaces are located within the fabric of the former shop. The main bedroom is located on the upper floor and a media room with new walls and perimeter drainage was built within the basement. A new sky lit void was inserted through the 3 existing levels, incorporating new steel and timber cantilevered stair and 3 storey bookcase.

The kitchen, informal living spaces and remaining bedrooms are located in the new addition, all with openings into the courtyard. Landscaping has been designed to enhance privacy from the apartments overlooking the laneway.

Lightweight materials and contemporary detailing distinguish the new addition from the existing late Victorian fabric.