Open-Plan Design Makes All the Difference
Dimity and Ed O’Leary wanted to move from an apartment into a home where they could settle in and start a family. But the house they bought, an old worker’s cottage built in 1910, sat on a narrow, sloping lot that presented a challenge for their architects. Carterwilliamson Architects kept the front and demolished the back to make room for a modern, open-plan layout.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Dimity and Ed O’Leary, a young professional couple
Location: McMahons Point, New South Wales, Australia
Size: 1,566 square feet (145.5 square meters); three bedrooms, two bathrooms
Architect: Carterwilliamson Architects
Budget and space constraints couldn’t dampen the creative spirits of this couple and their architect. After 12 months of on-site work, the project — largely a reconstruction of the living spaces into an open-plan room — was complete.
The house now has a single living space that offers flexibility. To combat the lack of natural light, strategically placed linear skylights were installed, allowing playful shadows to dance around the room and shift throughout the day. “We’ve used structure for dramatic effect in this house, such as fitting skylight blades to add rhythm to the living space,” says Sean Carter, principal architect at Carterwilliamson Architects.
Who lives here: Dimity and Ed O’Leary, a young professional couple
Location: McMahons Point, New South Wales, Australia
Size: 1,566 square feet (145.5 square meters); three bedrooms, two bathrooms
Architect: Carterwilliamson Architects
Budget and space constraints couldn’t dampen the creative spirits of this couple and their architect. After 12 months of on-site work, the project — largely a reconstruction of the living spaces into an open-plan room — was complete.
The house now has a single living space that offers flexibility. To combat the lack of natural light, strategically placed linear skylights were installed, allowing playful shadows to dance around the room and shift throughout the day. “We’ve used structure for dramatic effect in this house, such as fitting skylight blades to add rhythm to the living space,” says Sean Carter, principal architect at Carterwilliamson Architects.
The house was shortlisted for the 2016 New South Wales Architecture Awards for small projects and the 2016 Houses Awards for house alterations and additions under 200 square meters. The original front room was retained, the second room was extended to the property line, and everything else was demolished.
“This made way for a new ground-floor bathroom, kitchen and living space that pivots around a courtyard lightwell and opens onto the back garden,” Carter says.
“This made way for a new ground-floor bathroom, kitchen and living space that pivots around a courtyard lightwell and opens onto the back garden,” Carter says.
The small but well-planned yard is visible through sliding doors that recede out of sight when open. “The deep timber threshold forms a soft and warm transition to the garden and visually extends the open-plan living space,” Carter says.
The house has been given a raw, industrial edge with the use of robust materials such as reclaimed bricks and concrete. “We’ve used coarse materials that are usually seen on the exterior to demonstrate that textural layers are all that is necessary for crafting warm, inviting and generous spaces,” Carter says.
The single living space was designed with different zones in mind — to relax, eat, cook or work. The areas are defined by lighting and surface textures. For example, the glossy black island in the center delineates the kitchen space, while the skylight above the sofa suggests an area in which to retreat and relax.
A palette of natural colors flows throughout. Hanging above the island are three handcrafted oak pendant lights by Ross Gardam. These stand out against the black cabinetry of the kitchen, while black-glazed stoneware pendants hang over the dining table. “We chose these lights because their forms create a connection, yet their colors are a contrast,” Carter says.
A palette of natural colors flows throughout. Hanging above the island are three handcrafted oak pendant lights by Ross Gardam. These stand out against the black cabinetry of the kitchen, while black-glazed stoneware pendants hang over the dining table. “We chose these lights because their forms create a connection, yet their colors are a contrast,” Carter says.
Continuing the mix of rough industrial materials, reclaimed bricks provide a textured backdrop for the matte black woodwork, while concrete flooring keeps the room feeling light and bright.
Overhead cabinets hover off the wall, and lighting has been placed above and below the units to dramatize the brick wall’s color, texture and rhythm.
A sensitively placed Japanese maple fills the tile-lined courtyard, visible from the main living area, bathroom, bedroom and upstairs deck. “As the central living space pivots around this courtyard, we thought what better position is there to provide a window seat for some contemplative reading,” Carter says. Glossy black tiles add a delicate detail to the exterior and give the courtyard an exotic touch.
The exposed brick wall leads from the original front door to the addition at the back of the house, which now also houses the main bathroom.
The main bathroom’s louver window offers a glimpse of the maple tree in the courtyard. The all-white scheme and mirrored wall cabinets maximize light in the compact space, making it feel bright and roomy.
The upper floor comprises the new master bedroom, walk-in closet, master bath and private deck. Carved within the existing roof and lined completely in mosaic black tiles, the terrace creates a beautifully private retreat. Large doors ensure a seamless flow from inside to out.
The small master bedroom is visually extended onto the deck, making it feel twice the size. Again, the scheme is kept white and bright to maximize the sense of space, while a wall of exposed brick connects with the raw industrial vibe.
The small master bedroom is visually extended onto the deck, making it feel twice the size. Again, the scheme is kept white and bright to maximize the sense of space, while a wall of exposed brick connects with the raw industrial vibe.
The master bathroom has a walk-in shower and rotating windows. The window blades mirror the skylight blades in the addition.