Heritage

Heritage Terrace, Lavender Bay

Lavender Bay Terrace – Heritage Sensitivity with Contemporary Comfort

Located in a conservation area, this 1880s terrace in Lavender Bay was carefully restored to honour its original character while enhancing functionality for modern living. The brief was to retain the home’s existing configuration and reinstate key heritage features, all while improving day-to-day livability.

Working closely with the client from concept through to approvals, heritage consultation, and construction, we designed a home that respects its past and supports the lifestyle of its present occupants.

The front façade was revitalised with restoration works and a fresh coat of paint, bringing back its original charm. Inside, we replaced old carpet with new timber flooring and preserved the original staircase, adding a custom handrail to bring subtle contemporary detail.

One of the key improvements was the addition of a new ground-floor bathroom and laundry—previously only accessible through the courtyard. To increase natural light throughout the home, we introduced large doors opening to the courtyard and skylights on the upper level, brightening the interiors and improving connection to the outdoors.

This project is a thoughtful balance between heritage conservation and modern convenience, creating a timeless home that continues to evolve with its owners.

Photography: Graham Jepson

Lions court, Erskineville (Heritage Conservation Area)

Erskineville Terrace – Smart Design For Compact Living

This transformation of a narrow, single-level terrace in Erskineville demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the full potential of a constrained site. Originally a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, the property was redesigned into a two-storey residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms—maximising functionality without compromising style.

At the heart of the home is a highly efficient U-shaped kitchen, which doubles as a social hub with integrated seating. Custom joinery extends beneath the new timber staircase, forming a seamless multifunctional unit that houses cabinetry, appliances, laundry, and storage—all while maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic. A small timber shelf wall connects the kitchen to the corridor, complementing the warmth of the stairs and enhancing the sense of flow.

Premium finishes, such as the Quantum Quartz benchtop in concrete matte and sage green cabinetry, add a refined yet earthy tone to the space. A smoked mirror splashback reflects light and glimpses of the rear garden, adding depth and visual interest. A cleverly placed corner window framed by joinery increases both natural light and ventilation.

The rear extension is finished with a modern Pandomo floor, ensuring a level transition from old to new. Large windows and layered lighting keep the living spaces bright and inviting at all times of day.

This project is a testament to the power of smart planning, tailored joinery, and quality detailing—transforming a modest terrace into a stylish, space-efficient home that delivers long-term value.

Photography: Lisa Loi

Masonic Hall / Balmain

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.

Heritage Reframed (Paddington Heritage Conservation Area)

The original owner of this single story terrace in Paddington lived here for 40 years. It was sold in an untouched condition to a property developer.

The developer approached us initially with the intention of knocking down and rebuilding the property. However, this wasn’t going to be possible because the terrace was located in a conservation area.

Instead, on our advice, the developer opted to seek a DA to extensively renovate the property and to add a first-floor addition. Our brief for the design was to maximise the space on what was a very small site.

Our design created a modernised four bedroom home with a new kitchen and new dining and living areas.We included features such as a Juliet balcony on the rear of the property and small windows to be sympathetic to the conservation area.

The first floor extension (a master bedroom and ensuite) presented a design challenge. Council required the first floor addition not to be visible from the street. We ensured the property kept its single storey facade as well as being in character with the Paddington area. The DA was approved.

The developer sold the property with the newly approved DA to a private owner who purchased the property to live in.

Working with the new owner, we modified our original design with council approval to create the unique features she wanted in her new home.
One of the bedrooms was transformed into a spacious dining area and we designed a bigger kitchen space.

Our client was thrilled with the amount of space we could achieve, how the property exactly suited the way she wanted to live in it, and the amount of natural light filtering through skylights throughout the home.


The Jacaranda Terrace (Paddington Urban Conservation Area)

The renovation was a part of a two-storey terrace house in Paddington. When renovating the bathroom, we aimed to utilise the space to create a modern layout with soft geometric shapes. We embraced the use of monochromic notions by including dark fixtures and accessories to create an edgy, sophisticated look. We ensured that an abundance of natural light was incorporated to provide a great source of visibility to the area and ventilation to improve airflow. 

The new rear roof extension fills the existing space with natural light and ventilation—an excellent conversion of an unused room. The brief was to create a well-lit and cozy kids' bedroom in the unused, inaccessible attic space. We designed it in a way to fit an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Adding one traditional dormer to the front and a rear roof extension transformed the space into a bright and fun room.

Sara Vita Photography

Surry Hills Renovation (Heritage Conservation Area)

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

Photography: 

Notre Dame De Bonne Secour Church (17th Century)

The restoration of Place Stanislas aims to recreate its 18th-century charm while accommodating modern needs. Original proportions and paving have been reinstated, and facades, balustrades, and sculptures restored. The Town Hall's interior, including its painted decorations, has been renovated. The lighting emphasizes the square's historic significance and architectural grandeur (project with Pierre-Yves Caillault ACMH Agency).


Grilles Stanislas

Embarking on heritage projects as an architect is akin to stepping into a time capsule, where the past and the present seamlessly intertwine. There's an undeniable charm in preserving and restoring historical buildings, a profound sense of responsibility that comes with breathing new life into these architectural marvels. Each brick, every intricate detail tells a story, whispering tales of bygone eras, and as architects, it's our privilege to listen and interpret these narratives.

Working on heritage projects allows us to bridge the gap between generations, honoring the craftsmanship of yesteryears while infusing contemporary innovations. It's a delicate dance between preservation and transformation, where we carefully preserve the soul of the structure while adapting it to modern needs. There's an unmatched satisfaction in seeing a once dilapidated building regain its former glory, standing proudly as a testament to our cultural heritage.

In these projects, we find inspiration in the challenge of marrying history with innovation. We delve into the architectural nuances of different eras, understanding the techniques and materials used by our predecessors. It's a learning experience that enriches our own skills and knowledge, reminding us of the timeless principles that define great architecture.

Moreover, heritage works foster a deep connection with the community. They are not just buildings; they are symbols of identity, landmarks that anchor communities to their roots. Revitalizing these structures instills a sense of pride and belonging, fostering a shared appreciation for our heritage. Witnessing the joy on people's faces as they rediscover their cultural heritage through our work is incredibly rewarding.

As architects, we revel in the opportunity to be guardians of the past, custodians of our architectural legacy. Heritage projects challenge our creativity, ignite our passion, and remind us of the enduring beauty of craftsmanship. It's a humbling and gratifying experience to contribute to the preservation of our heritage, ensuring that these architectural gems continue to inspire and enchant generations to come.

Notre Dame de Bonne Secour church (17th century)

Jeurre France

The Temple of Filial Piety, originally in Méréville Park, began construction in September 1786. It collapsed in March 1788 and was rebuilt nearby. Later, in 1895, it was relocated to Jeurre estate, where it became part of a park with other factories, classified as historic monuments in 1957.. The temple underwent various restoration efforts, notably in 1963 to repair war damage and subsequently in 1981, 1982, and 1985-86 for maintenance. However, the upper sculptures have sustained significant damage, prompting a study to analyze the issues, assess its overall condition, and propose a restoration plan to preserve this vital heritage element.

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As a registered heritage architect with formal training from the École de Chaillot in Paris and decades of experience across France, Italy and Australia, Nathalie Scipioni leads our studio’s heritage work with precision and respect. We specialise in conservation, adaptive reuse, heritage impact statements, and sensitive additions that honour the significance of each place while improving functionality and longevity. Our approach combines rigorous research, regulatory expertise and refined design to ensure all interventions are both compliant and enduring..

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HERITAGE