The Sky Terrace, Balmain (Heritage Listed)

Rather than moving from the home they loved, our clients approached us with an ambitious idea: to create a rooftop terrace above their heritage-listed Balmain home.

We knew from the outset that gaining approval would be challenging. Through careful design, persistence and our expertise in heritage architecture, we developed a solution that respected the significance of the existing terrace while unlocking an entirely new way for our clients to experience their home.

The result is a private rooftop entertaining space designed around a previously unseen view of Sydney’s city skyline. A retractable pergola provides flexibility throughout the seasons, while a built-in BBQ and generous bench seating with integrated storage make the most of every part of the rooftop.

Elevated seating was positioned directly toward the skyline, creating a place to sit, eat, drink and relax while taking in uninterrupted views across the city.

More than an additional outdoor space, the rooftop completely changes the relationship between the home and its surroundings. Where there was previously no city outlook, the property now opens onto an expansive skyline view—adding a significant new amenity to the home while enhancing its long-term value.

A challenging heritage brief became an opportunity to give an existing home something entirely new.