Cascade Terrace

2022 Gadi Country / Paddington, NSW

Cascade Terrace knits together and unifies an original Victorian terrace with a 1980s added twin, to create a retreat for a couple to age in a home they have loved, with more space, light and views to a nearby park.

The interventions work to the strengths of the double width terrace and remarkable outlook over Trumper Park, maximising the sense of space, light and connection to the garden, park and neighbourhood. The design resolves the competing requirements of the owner’s desire for privacy, ample sun and views to the public domain with the strictures of a heritage conservation zone.

Despite the extra width, the 1980s addition had left the co-joined terraces with a cramped kitchen and living room with low ceilings, and awkward connection between various levels.

Key to the resolution is a new sculptural staircase of white painted steel and timber that spirals its way to link three levels of living, sleeping, bathing and study spaces, drawing light deep into the terrace. The main living room is extended and the ceiling height raised. Access between a lower level living area and a once under-utilised garden is transformed with a large corner-opening overlooking the pool.

Pivoting timber shutters prevent overlooking and over-exposure to the morning sun, enabling the new main bedroom to enjoy expansive views of nearby parklands throughout the day. New timber window and door frames, joinery and floors unify the internal spaces. Externally painted brick walls contrast the finely crafted timber framed openings and shutters.

The owners love the cosy and luxurious spaces, light filled and sunny, with fabulous outlooks over the park, yet private.

Owners: “a sense of daily joy in simply being in the new space… Whether it is catching the light illuminate a room at a certain part of the day or admiring the changing angles of the staircase as one ascends and descends, these day-to-day experiences enrich our lives immeasurably.”

 

“We felt that SCA would be good listeners and that we would be able to work through any issues we might encounter with them in a constructive, collaborative and collegial way… We liked the team-driven approach that SCA adopts.”

The Dharug word ‘Woo‐la‐ra’ was translated in 1788 by a First Fleet officer as ‘The Look‐out’. The Woollahra/ Paddington area was linked to Sydney township by a rough track, possibly an earlier Aboriginal pathway, and later South Head Road (later Old South Head Road/Oxford Street) in 1811.

Published

The Local Project
Habitus Living – September 2023

Project Team

Sam Crawford, Benjamin Chan, Christine Guan, Ken Warr

Builder

Invue Homes

Consultant Team

Structural Engineer – Partidge
Landscape Architect – Spirit Level Designs
Hydraulic Engineer – ITM Design
PCA – Anthony Protas Consulting
Quantity Surveyor – QS Plus
Heritage Consultant – Weir Phillips Architects
Town Planner – ASquare Planning

Council

Woollahra Council

Photographer

Brett Boardman