Balmain East, 110sqm
This original early 1900’s timber cottage needed to be urgently repaired: the timber weatherboards and decking were rotted, the roof and skylights leaked, and when it rained heavily, the lights turned into fountains. Major demolition and reconstruction work was required, which presented an opportunity to rethink the layout of the house to achieve a much more functional and comfortable home.
The project involved both internal and external alterations without any extension to the house. Instead, the ground floor was effectively rearranged to create a much more spacious and usable space for living.
Timber was used throughout to showcase the versatility of the material. From the rich, warm-toned timber floors and kitchen to the painted wardrobes and entertainment unit, the beauty of timber is celebrated. The curved bathroom capsule is clad in profiled timber boards, which has become a key feature in the house. Externally, a timber portal was designed to frame and protect the new doors, and timber battens create a privacy screen to the bedroom balcony above.
Other natural finishes and tactile details are used to complement the timber elements. These include natural limestone floors paired with Japanese mosaic wall tiles, brass tapware and concrete basins in the bathrooms; leather pulls on the wardrobe doors, and terrazzo used alongside 3D tiles in the kitchen.
The overall effect is a warm and inviting home that is full of natural beauty. The use of timber throughout creates a sense of harmony and continuity, while the other finishes and details add interest and depth.
Builder: Capital Building & Design | Joinery: East 2 East Joinery | Photography: Louise Wellington | Styling: Jessica Bellef