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A first floor addition to a late 1800’s sandstone workers cottage in Balmain drew its concept from the notion of transition and movement. The addition is focused around a staircase which transcends from the ground floor to the master bedroom and ensuite above. The action of moving up and down this staircase is celebrated with a large expanse of glass facing the courtyard and living room beyond.

The concept of transition, not only limited to the transition between floors is represented by the movement of shadows cast through laser cut privacy awnings and skylights. This ethereal experience changes time of the day and the seasons, providing a sense of ever changing delight. Consisting of a new master bedroom, ensuite and walk in robe located on the first floor, the new addition captures view of the North Sydney skyline. Using a palate of new materials, including terracotta external tiles on the stairwell, the addition provides a pleasing contrast between new and old, respecting the heritage of the existing cottage.

Nathalie Scipioni Architects
Double Bay, New South Wales
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The Sandstone Cottage

About the
Professional

Internationally trained and experienced in architecture, interior design and heritage restoration, we combine contemporary European influences with a restorer’s eye for detail, story, flow and possibility. You’ll be amazed by what we can do for light, space and living, delivering incredible results for every budget.

Nathalie has an internationally-honed understanding of structure, space and orientation that she brings to designing the exteriors and interiors of homes, restaurants, hotels or offices. She studied architecture for nine years, completing a Doctor of Architecture in Florence at Universita degli Studi di Firenze followed by post-graduate studies in heritage architecture at the specialist École de Chaillot in Paris.     

Over the last 20 years, she has worked on architecture and heritage restoration projects in France, Italy and Australia. In Paris, she was a heritage architect responsible for the completion of restoration projects, including site supervision and project management of listed Heritage monuments in the Nancy and Paris areas.

Nathalie relocated to Sydney and founded NSStudio in 2007. She maintains constant contact with developments in Europe, travelling annually to the world’s most forward-looking trade shows to bring back concepts, materials and products that ensure her designs continue to be far ahead of local trends.