Leichhardt

Leichhardt

Leichhardt House
Alterations & Additions

Located in Sydney’s inner-west, this small 1882 worker’s cottage was given a large transformation resulting in a home that provides generous living areas filled with light for contemporary family living.

The brief was to convert the typical L-shaped layout of the original house into one that maximised the site whilst respecting the parameters. The design has taken advantage of the gradual landfall creating a lovely transition of volumes as the house steps down from the street to the rear living area and garden. At the same time the new additions sympathetically tie in with the original cottage front and are aided by the chosen finishes. The ground floor accommodates one bedroom while the first floor contains two more bedrooms and bathrooms which are connected via a hallway with study.

A crucial element in the design is a circular skylight above the central void which brings light into the centre of the house. Another skylight runs the length of the northern wall of the living area and highlights the off-form structure. A cellar accessed via the living room provides an element of surprise.

Internally the finishes palette is refined but rich in texture using striking granite, quartzite and terrazzo with natural timber floors and veneer offset by white walls and polyurethane joinery. A delicate timber batten screen forms the staircase which then becomes vertical timber batten wall concealing a powder room and pantry downstairs.

The extensive renovation is concealed behind the unassuming frontage, which is traditionally finished with steel palisade fencing and tessellated tiles. Visitors to the house are continually surprised at how generous the areas feel, given the modest floorplate. Etched in the entry door fanlight is ‘Cymru’ (Wales) by the owners, an homage to the family’s Welsh ancestry. Words from Porebski Architects.

Dining area in the Leichhardt House,The walls are adorned with vibrant art pieces by Stephen Ormandy, in built buffet in White, slatted panel in timber, light Louis Poulsen by Cult design, and Timber Floor by Tongue n Groove Australia.
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scope

Size

GFA

Council

Approval

Timeline

509 m2

650 m2

Inner West

DA

11 months

Collaborators

Press

Patagonia Alpha Granite is a remarkable natural stone that now holds a permanent position on our grid. Its speckled appearance and superior durability make it perfect for benchtops.
Small office room decorated with orchids, a timber benchtop, and a leather chair.
Bathroom with green mosaic tiles, marble countertop, framed black mirror, white sink.
Bathroom with green mosaic tiles, marble countertop, framed black mirror, white sink.
Bathroom: terrazzo bath, Mosaic Square White.
Bathroom: terrazzo countertop, white sink, arc mirror, Mosaic Square White
Dining area in the Leichhardt House, The walls are adorned with vibrant art pieces by Stephen Ormandy, in built buffet in White, slatted panel in timber, light Louis Poulsen by Cult design, and Timber Floor by Tongue n Groove Australia.
Bedroom wallpaper: tree, planets on the wall, white sheet, blue Quilt Cover Set, Black Side Table.

I had the pleasure of working directly with Alice and Joey on our recently completed Leichhardt project. Joey and his team’s strong knowledge of all project’s stages paired with a great relation with the trades involved, lead to the high-quality completion with deadlines. We were very pleased with the quality of workmanship, professionalism, and cooperative attitude Pamment Projects displayed.

Victoria D'Alisa — Architect