Located in one of Sydney's most iconic heritage precincts, this terrace house originally built in the 1890s has been restored and transformed into a contemporary family home. Sitting proudly, the interiors unfold to reveal a harmonious blend of old and new. Celebrating the rich tapestry of the Millers Point history.

The Vermont Terraces were an intact and rare example of a pair of early Federation Queen Anne style terrace dwellings. A State Heritage designated site can come with its own challenges, however, this is where the opportunities arose. Working with the original heritage fabric to restore and celebrate its history, whilst developing spaces, facilities, and technologies to suit the lifestyle of a modern family with four children. Considerations included increasing the cross-ventilation and natural daylight to the Lower Ground level by widening the doorway to the kitchen. The ability to remove the later added timber flooring at the lower level (under archaeologist supervision) allowed the addition of subfloor ventilation and hydronic heating. Lath and plaster walls, plaster detailing and tuck-point details were restored using minimally invasive techniques. Reimaging previously lost details using old techniques included sand casting the house plaque and a custom-made modern interpretation of a washstand. A carefully incorporated additional bathroom on Level one increased the amenity for the family.

The success of this project was largely due to the collaborative approach of the whole team. Working closely with the Heritage Architect who wrote the CMP in order to discuss concept designs, and workshop solutions that embraced the objectives for the area and building. The builder’s engagement during design facilitated site meetings with sub-trades to reconcile the incorporation of services with minimally invasive zones and techniques. Clear communication between the builder and architect during the build process was critical to ensure restoration techniques and detail refinement achieved the desired outcomes with minimal compromise.

Photography: Brigid Arnott