Stunning Architectural Transformation: Miners House in Sydney

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Location: Newtown
3. The Original House
4. The Renovation Process
5. Creating Connections to the Outdoors
6. Enhancing the Living Spaces
7. The Kitchen and Dining Area
8. The Bathroom Design
9. The Bedroom Spaces
10. Repurposing and Upgrading
11. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Welcome to the captivating transformation of a small worker's cottage in Newtown, Australia. In this episode of Never Too Small, we explore how architecture can seamlessly Blend with the surrounding environment, creating a Sense of openness and connection. Join us as we uncover the Journey of architect Dean Williams and his partner in reimagining their home and turning it into a modern OASIS.

The Location: Newtown

Located in Sydney's inner west, Newtown is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its unique Charm and strong sense of community. The original house, dating back to the 1930s, was a humble workers cottage, providing affordable housing for the residents of Newtown. With its quirky atmosphere and welcoming atmosphere, Newtown was the perfect location for Dean and his partner to Create their dream home.

The Original House

The original house had a modest footprint of 35 square meters, consisting of small, enclosed rooms. While livable, it lacked the connection to the outdoors and natural light that Dean and his partner desired. The structure, however, was in relatively good condition, providing a solid foundation for the renovation project.

The Renovation Process

Before embarking on the renovation, Dean and his partner lived in the home for a few years, getting a firsthand experience of its limitations and potential. Their key priorities were to create a house that seamlessly connected with the outdoors, filled with sunlight and views of the garden and community. With this vision in mind, they set out to transform the space into a more open and airy dwelling.

Creating Connections to the Outdoors

One of the main objectives of the renovation was to allow the house to breathe and open up to the surrounding environment. By removing internal walls and adding a rear bathroom, Dean and his partner were able to make significant improvements to the site. The addition of a Second story provided even more space, bringing the total size of the house to just under 60 square meters.

Enhancing the Living Spaces

Upon entering the house, You are greeted by an open plan living space that seamlessly connects to the outdoors. The living room, retained from the original structure, features a restored fireplace and engineered timber floorboards in a dark brown shade to contrast with the bright white interiors. The flooring continues throughout the entire home, creating a sense of flow and spaciousness.

The Kitchen and Dining Area

The kitchen is a central hub in any home, and Dean and his partner wanted to ensure it was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They designed a new kitchen joinery, built around an original chimney breast, and opted for a stone benchtop for the kitchen island. The kitchen seamlessly transitions into the dining room, with a single step in the floor level providing a visual separation while maintaining a sense of connectedness.

The Bathroom Design

Dean and his partner were determined to make the most of the available space, even in the smallest areas of the house. A new, smaller concrete block bathroom was strategically positioned in a part of the courtyard that would have otherwise been unoccupiable. The bathroom features a curved mosaic shower with a Glass skylight above, allowing natural light to flood the space. Tiles were used sparingly, with beautiful green terrazzo tiles adorning the floor, creating a seamless and visually striking finish.

The Bedroom Spaces

The main bedroom, located at the rear of the home, offers breathtaking views of the courtyard and a small park with a community garden. Floor-to-Ceiling wardrobes provide ample storage, while a Hidden Door leads out to the new green roof, allowing for a peaceful and harmonious connection with nature. The second bedroom, located in the attic, has been repurposed as a guest bedroom and home office. The incorporation of a large skylight ensures the room is filled with natural light and ventilation.

Repurposing and Upgrading

Rather than demolishing the existing structure, Dean and his partner focused on upgrading and repurposing the house to create a contemporary home that honored the historical connection of the neighborhood. By embracing smaller spaces and rethinking traditional notions of comfort, they were able to achieve a cost-effective and sustainable solution. The repurposed outhouse now serves as a laundry area, providing additional storage and convenience.

Conclusion

In the world of architecture, small spaces can be transformed into extraordinary homes. Dean Williams and his partner have shown us that with thoughtful design and a strong connection to the surrounding environment, even the most modest of houses can be turned into havens of beauty and functionality. Through their renovation journey, they have not only enhanced their own living experience but also offered inspiration for others looking to reimagine their own homes. So, why not take a leap and see what incredible possibilities lie within your own four walls?

Highlights:

• Transformation of a small worker's cottage in Newtown, Australia
• Creating connections to the outdoors and maximizing sunlight
• The thoughtful renovation process prioritizing openness and functionality
• The seamless integration of the kitchen and dining area
• The innovative bathroom design with a curved mosaic shower
• The main bedroom with stunning views of the courtyard and community garden
• Repurposing and upgrading rather than demolishing
• Honoring the historical connection while embracing contemporary living
• The use of smaller spaces to maximize access to sunlight and ventilation
• Inspiring others to reimagine their own homes

FAQ:

Q: What was the original size of the house? A: The original house had a modest footprint of 35 square meters.

Q: How did the renovation project enhance the living spaces? A: The renovation included removing internal walls, adding a rear bathroom, and introducing a second story, bringing the total size of the house to just under 60 square meters. This created more open and airy living spaces.

Q: What materials were used in the bathroom design? A: The bathroom featured a curved mosaic shower with a glass skylight and green terrazzo floor tiles for a seamless and visually striking finish.

Q: How did the renovation maintain the historical connection of the neighborhood? A: Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the renovation focused on upgrading and repurposing, ensuring a more cost-effective and sustainable approach.

Q: How did the renovation enhance the connection to the outdoors? A: By creating an open plan living space that seamlessly connected to the outdoors and maximizing natural light through the use of skylights and glass features.

Q: What inspired the design choices in this renovation? A: The homeowners were inspired by the desire to create a home that was generous in its connections to the outdoors, filled with sunlight and views of the garden and community. They also prioritized functionality and seamlessly integrating spaces to create a comfortable and contemporary living experience.