Rejuvenating a Sydney Sandstone While Respecting its Heritage Value

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carter Williamson Architects

Looking from the street at this rare and intact streetscape, an example of early urban development in Balmain, it may appear that nothing has changed. Go inside, however, and it is apparent that an accumulation of unsympathetic additions had masked the natural beauty of the Sydney Sandstone structure in this 1850s terrace house.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Eames Chairs, Sliding Door
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Eames Chairs, Pendant Lighting, Sliding Door

Carter Williamson Architects brief was to rejuvenate the home, while respecting its historic significance.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Joinery, Kitchen Cabinets, White Kitchens, Pendant Lighting, Kitchens, Dining Areas
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Joinery, Sliding Door

The process of removing excess material, opening up the spaces and inviting in more light was a driving strategy behind the design. A new pitched ceiling reaches up over the lounge into the former roof space, and reveals changes of colour in the sandstone - the patina of light and shadow resulting from past spatial configurations.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Eames Chairs
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Eames Chairs, Sliding Door

Where possible existing openings have been utilised and celebrated - a step in line with the former rear facade now negotiates the short drop between front and rear levels. New openings, tall skylights over the main bathroom and lounge reach up to the original ridge line, while remaining hidden from the street.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Heritage, Eames Chairs, Pendant Lighting, Sliding Door
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Fireplaces, Eames Chairs, Pendant Lighting

Sliding doors dissolve walls between rooms, allowing them to expand and provide flexibility of uses. While views of the Sydney skyline are visible through a strategically placed bedroom window.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Pendant Lighting, Dining Areas

Thick sandstone columns provide a deep threshold into new kitchen and living spaces while referencing the original cottage footprint. As you walk through one can question the lives of former occupants.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Sliding Door
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
White Houses, Joinery, Concrete Floors, Kitchen Cabinets, White Kitchens, Kitchens, Dining Areas

Large sliding glass doors open to landscaping of the rear garden, released from a previously overgrown state to create a private courtyard and a level space to be expanded into. Here, a restored sandstone wall, comprised of salvaged sandstone from the local area, bears the marks of convict chisels.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Heritage
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Bathrooms, Showers, Basins, Toilet Suites

Restoration work to the street facade gives the home a vitality and originality that immediate neighbours lack, with timber doors, shutters, picket fences, and slate roof tiles reconstructed to their original form. A calm, warm, and robust material palette allows the richness of the original cottage walls to become the decoration in this modest, yet spacious and flexible home.

Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Urban Homes, Outdoor Areas, Sliding Glass Doors
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Window Shutters, Bedrooms
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Staircases
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
House Plans
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
House Plans
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)
Balmain Sandstone Cottage by Carterwilliamson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)

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