By Dieppe Design
Effingham House is part of the Silex Estate subdivision dating back to 1898. Between the 1960's and 2004 the house underwent a number of unsympathetic alterations. These changes had left the home appearing inconsistent and muddled. Most notably, a clumsy first floor addition was added and the original timber detailing to the verandahs was removed and replaced with faux Doric columns.
Our aim was to restore the home's heritage whilst modernising it for twenty first century living. Externally, we reinstated the original timer fretwork and friezes. By researching historic photographs we replicated the original detailing. Even the chimney pots were restored. We replaced the 1970's first floor addition with a timber shingle clad asymmetric form. The shingles were stained grey to blend with the restored slate roofing. Thermally broken aluminium double glazed windows are formed within custom steel shrouds which provide glimpsing views of Balmoral and beyond to the East and Sydney CBD to the West. Throughout the original home old windows and doors are restored with double glazed timber joinery. Extensive effort was given to adding insulation, ensuring the home's suitability for future conditions.
At the front of the home, the open plan drawing room and formal living room showcase the original fireplaces that were protected and restored. The original french doors were replicated and open onto the original verandah that has been restored with terrazzo and bluestone tiles.
To the back of the house, the rear was dropped to create a level connection between the interior living and outside patio and pool. The kitchen boasts a large entertaining island bench constructed from Super White dolomite complete with matching clad doors. The dolomite continues onto the splashback and benchtops as well as providing a visual connection to the original home via the matching dolomite staircase. The open plan space seamlessly connects with the exterior, creating an inviting environment for both indoor and outdoor entertaining.
The interior finishes have been carefully selected throughout to respect the heritage and portray a contemporary ambience. Effingham House not only showcases architectural restoration but also serves as a connection between the past and the present, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
Dieppe Design is a small (but mighty!) architecture firm located in Sydney.
We specialise in new builds, alterations & additions, interior renovations and Passive House Design. We work closely with our clients, listening to their design and functional brief, how our clients live their life and what visually inspires them.
The first stage of our process ends in a presentation of unique and personalised concepts, leading to design development all the way to construction and turn-key. We use the latest technology including 3D imagery, video flythroughs and virtual reality to ensure our clients can fully experience our concepts.
This enables us to make changes early in the design development aiming for a seamless construction process. We want the journey to be an enjoyable collaboration between client, architect and builder. In fact, we often miss working with our clients once the project is complete!
Dieppe Design is an A+ member of the Australian Institute of Architects practice and certified in Passivhaus Design. Our consultants, suppliers and contractors are carefully selected and we are proud to share the same ethics ensuring our clients are looked after.
As certified Passivhaus Design Architects, clients can comfortably choose to incorporate Passive House Design concepts or certification into their project. Our aim is to create exceptional architecture & interiors that does not impact the future of our planet.
We feel strongly about the environmental surrounds of each project and the impact it will have on the locale forming part of the design process. Dieppe Design has detailed experience of projects located in bush fire prone areas and any constraints or limitations of the land are thoroughly considered.
To date, Dieppe Design has been inspired how each client lives and connects in their spaces. We learn and evolve from every project looking forward to what our future clients may show us on the next journey.