DARLING POINT
RESIDENCE

THOUGHTFUL RESTORATION

Behind its handsome Federation Arts & Crafts façade, the house has been thoughtfully restored to make a confident architectural statement that suggests little of the extensive renovation work. Though the home had heritage charm in spades, its century-old floorplan did little to facilitate contemporary living, so the clients engaged architect Tanya Hancock and interior designer Tania Handelsmann to introduce an increased sense of light and fluidity.

View of the residence's backyard through the kitchen

Location: Sydney, Australia

Project Type: Suburban Residence

Architect: Hancock Architects

Interior Designer: Handelsmann + Khaw

Photographer: Prue Ruscoe

CREATING CONNECTION

The renovation involved significant remedial works to the existing fabric, a two-storey rear extension, the addition of a pool, and extensive landscaping to bring the outdoors in line with the updated home. A large, open-plan kitchen and living area now extends the width of the new rear extension, connected to the backyard through a series of arched, steel-framed double doors.

Living room directing toward the dining room

UTILITY AND LUXURY

The architect concealed the Integrated Fisher & Paykel Column Refrigerator & Freezer and DishDrawer within pistachio-coloured cabinets, flanked by surfaces in natural grey-green stone. A large kitchen island anchors the room, and there is an adjacent pantry containing a wine cabinet, DishDrawer, extra bench space and a laundry. Thanks to this meticulous planning of work zones, there is now considerably more circulation space, allowing the client greater flexibility in the way the kitchen is used.