Hurlstone Park I

A Thoughtful Transformation: Blending Heritage and Modern Living

This once-dilapidated cottage, located in a quiet part of Sydney, was in need of a complete overhaul. With poor natural light and a backyard significantly lower than the house, the space felt disconnected from the outdoors. For the young couple who owned it, the goals were clear: increase natural light, improve access to the garden, and thoughtfully incorporate the existing elements to respect the home’s heritage while adapting it for modern family life.

The solution was a split-level addition that wraps around a north-facing central courtyard, allowing natural light to flood the home throughout the day. The new L-shaped living, dining, and kitchen areas open up to both the district views at the rear and the serene courtyard. A generously proportioned staircase connects the original front cottage to the new spaces, creating a smooth flow between old and new. The design uses contemporary materials, but the roof forms are aligned with those of the original cottage, preserving the home's visual continuity.

The existing cottage was extensively renovated with minimal but impactful interventions. Key features, such as the original brick fireplace, were preserved and repurposed into the new design. For example, the living room fireplace was integrated into the bathroom joinery, and an old brick wall became a feature wall in the new ensuite. These thoughtful updates allowed the cottage’s history to shine while introducing a modern aesthetic.

The home's layout was tailored to the couple’s needs. The front portion of the house now houses the private spaces—bedrooms and a home office—while the new addition provides open-plan living areas ideal for both family life and entertaining. The couple, both avid gardeners, landscaped the courtyard and backyard themselves, creating a peaceful outdoor space that connects seamlessly with the interior.

Personal touches add unique charm to the renovation. A mancave was created for the husband's Lego collection, and an outdoor shower was added for the family dogs. These elements reflect the couple’s personality and lifestyle.

Externally, the new addition’s roof forms mirror those of the original cottage, maintaining its character. Inside, traditional flat ceilings were replaced with raked ceilings, enhancing the sense of space and light.

By retaining much of the original cottage, the project avoided the high costs of a full rebuild, while minimal interventions maximised the natural daylight. Designed as a timber-framed standalone addition, the project was cost-effective and added a contemporary touch to the home.

This renovation turned a rundown cottage into a modern family home that maintains its heritage charm while meeting the needs of a growing family. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new, thoughtfully designed for modern living.

The project was well received, not just by the clients but in professional circles as well, netting the builder MattBUILD a Winner Award from the Master Builders Association in 2022