The Jacaranda Terrace (Paddington Urban Conservation Area)

Thirteen years after we completed the first renovation of this Paddington terrace, our clients came back to us as their family’s needs had evolved. Their child was now grown up and needed a space of their own, so we looked to an area of the home that had previously been unused: the existing attic.

Working within the tight constraints of the roof space, we transformed the attic into a private retreat complete with a bedroom, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Every centimetre mattered, so storage was carefully integrated wherever possible, and we even custom-designed the bed to make sure all of the elements could fit comfortably without compromising the feeling of space.

To bring light and ventilation into what had previously been a dark and inaccessible attic, we introduced a traditional dormer to the front and a new rear roof extension, completely transforming the space into a bright and welcoming room.

The ensuite was designed to feel contemporary and sophisticated, with soft geometric forms, monochromatic finishes and contrasting dark fixtures. Natural light and ventilation were also key considerations, helping the compact space feel open and comfortable.

As the terrace is located within a Heritage Conservation Area, we were able to act as both the architect and heritage consultant for the project. This allowed us to carefully navigate the Council approval process while ensuring the new additions remained sympathetic to the heritage character of the existing terrace.

For us, there is something particularly special about returning to a home we first worked on more than a decade ago and adapting it again as the family grows and their needs change.