Heritage

Renderings / Coogee

The project has two interesting roof forms. The first is a curved gable form that tapers at the apex to create a softer profile to the streetscape. The second is a sweeping skillion form that runs with the slope of the site; the roof was designed to minimize the visual bulk impact of the form from the street below and to maintain the views of the properties behind.
The roof forms required meticulous and iterative testing to arrive at the final design, the intricacies of the roof forms and the detail of junctions between them are essential to achieving the proposed form. As such, achieving accuracy and a high level of articulation of the roof forms is essential during the construction process.
The site is steep and sandy, which creates a challenging set of conditions when developing a terraced building form that sits on the site. Extensive excavation and site reinforcement through the piling and shoring walls are crucial to the construction phase to protect the neighbouring sites.

One of the most considerable design challenges was incorporating all member's briefs into this 10-bedroom design to ensure that the project could satisfy the client's requirement as a multi-generational home. The scale and form of the building needed to be sympathetic to the surrounding heritage items whilst also presenting itself as a contemporary piece of architecture that could sit proudly beside the established architecture perched above the park.

The curved glazed courtyard is a dominant feature of the interior of the project. Running from the basement (as a lightwell) through all four levels, the courtyard ensures equal solar distribution throughout the dwelling whilst providing extensive cross ventilation. The scale and complexity of the curved glazing system creates a significant challenge for planning and construction, despite this we are certain that the challenge will be justified by the result.

Bespoke Home Renderings / Coogee

Masonic Hall

The Masonic Hall in Balmain is a stunning example of heritage architecture, showcasing the beauty and elegance of traditional brickwork. This iconic building has recently undergone a meticulous renovation, which has carefully preserved and restored its original character.

The exterior of the Masonic Hall is a testament to the enduring quality of brickwork, The building's façade exudes an air of timeless elegance, inviting visitors to step inside and experience the grandeur of the space within. Inside, the Masonic Hall is a marvel of heritage design, with its soaring ceilings, and intricately carved timber detailing all lovingly restored to their former glory. The Masonic Hall in Balmain is a true treasure of Sydney's architecture.

Masonic Hall / Balmain

Surry Hills Renovation

Internal renovation of a Victorian Terrace house in the heart of Surry Hills. Featuring bronze and metallic tones.

Photography: 

The Courtyard House

The renovation was committed to preserving and integrating the existing cottage into the contemporary extension. This was achieved through the retention of traditional elements, such as the original stove that has been carved into the modern bathroom as a reminder of the properties history. The counterbalanced roof form of the pavilion was determined by the offset hipped roofs on the front facade to reinforce the relationship throughout the dwelling. 

The brief called for a light and open space that contrasted the defined boundaries of the original dwelling. An emphasis on transparency and openness informed the design of the rear boundary that benefits from the interplay of light reflecting from the pool. The light-well has been positioned to frame the existing jacaranda tree. Internally, a bespoke kitchen with a casual dining table integrated into the bench top encourages congregation and socialisation. 

Photography: Kat Lucas

AWARD WINNER | The Courtyard House

AWARD WINNER | The Terrace House

This house is located on a narrow block in the inner west of Sydney, set beneath a row of a fig trees to the north that filter the light. The original house was cramped and dark, the low ridge line prohibited any light entering beyond the adjacent canopy.

The design brief was to create a light, open space that responded to the green character of the site and celebrated the filtered light. The narrow site dictated the restrained palette, materiality was kept to a minimum with moments of stark contrast highlighting the length of the site and creating a visual break. A light well and a partially obscured high window draw in light from above the parallel canopy to flood the space with natural light, stark white ceilings and walls disperse the light throughout.

The unconventional roof and ceiling forms produce different spatial arrangements within a single area; creating the sense of a larger, more dynamic space. The roof form is extruded beyond the building as a perforated screen, cut to mimic the light as it penetrates through the trees. The light dances across the room, responding to the sun, wind and trees to enhance the relationship between inside and out.


Rose Bay Apartment

The brief from the client was to transform an unrenovated three bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment on the top floor of an apartment building in Rose Bay to maximise its value.

Their goal was to 'flip' the property, and it modernised and ready for sale within 12 weeks.

Our proposal was to modernise the unit for an open-plan design. We achieved this by creating a design that would unlock the properties potential, managing construction to the clients deadline and providing interior styling so the property was looking its best.

Photography: Justin Macintosh

The Blue House

The rear addition to a turn of the century workers cottage in Lilyfield embraces natural lighting and open space with a clever layout which allows for 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, living and study. The design embraces and restores where possible the remaining period features while respectfully contrasting these with a palette of new building materials, techniques and colours. 

Striking turquoise blue Pandomo flooring throughout the hallway and living spaces creates a bold yet calming statement. The timber and glass staircase acts as a sculptural element within the living room, skilfully dividing living from dining whilst still providing a visual link between the two.

The living opens up through large bi-fold doors to an outdoor entertaining deck and backyard allowing for ample natural ventilation and light. 

The Blue House / Lilyfield

The new house

NSStudio was approached by a couple with significant experience as building developers to sub divide an existing lot and design two standalone dwellings. The site is north facing, yet narrow; the clients engaged NSStudio to ensure that both properties received ample natural light throughout both dwellings. The brief and site required intelligent planning to maximise sun penetration and flexible living.The design mediated the desire to deliver a high end light filled dwelling with the need to stay within the clients set budget for the project.

The project unfolded as a collaboration between the studio and the clients which was an important element of the relationship with the developers who require a degree of control and connection to the project throughout. The outcome was a tremendous success spatially and financially, the clients have since directed additional projects to NSStudio as they want to ensure each new project can achieve the same quality.

The Kalgoorlie Contemporary / Leichhardt

Our brief was to transform the unrenovated property to maximise its value. We achieved this by creating a design that would unlock the property’s potential, managing construction to the client’s deadline and providing interior styling so the property was looking its best for sale.

The three-story complex of 12 art deco apartments was built in the 1940s. Our client’s top floor apartment was originally on two titles. Each of these apartments had only one bedroom and one bathroom.

We identified that the value of the property could be maximised if it were transformed back into two apartments. Each apartment needed to have high standard finishes and features such as air conditioning to appeal to buyers in the Rose Bay area.

Highlights of the design include:

Bigger apartments than in the original design. The new apartments have two double bedrooms and two spacious bathrooms. One bathroom in each apartment is large enough for a freestanding bath.

The feeling of space we created within each apartment. We lifted the ceilings, shifted walls and selected space-enhancing finishes such as light coloured oak flooring and mirrored splashbacks in the kitchens.

Beautiful bathrooms. Buyers in the Rose Bay area look for something unique, which is why we handpicked feature tiles to enhance the bathrooms with patterns and textures. We included gunmetal and brush nickel tapware, timber vanities to add warmth and black framed shower screens for an original style.


Apartment Transformation / Rose Bay

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