Eco-Friendly Design with Contemporary Functionality

This sustainable terrace renovation includes high-performance insulation, energy-efficient double glazing, and a rainwater harvesting system for the lush vertical garden—reducing the environmental impact while enhancing daily comfort.

Much like Surry Hills’ transformation from industrial precinct to creative hub, this home now reflects a similar journey—located just moments from local cafes and design studios like Paramount Coffee Project.

Smart Interiors: Maximizing Space and Light

On the ground level, new oak flooring laid over upgraded insulation improves warmth and acoustic performance. The original staircase was retained and restored, reconfigured subtly to suit the modern layout. Discreet under-stair storage and laundry units finished in white polyurethane support the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Working within strict heritage conservation guidelines, the team engineered clever solutions: the new attic bedroom’s structural supports were hidden to preserve the roofline, and a concealed ducted AC system was installed for climate control without visual compromise.

Architectural Features that Elevate Living

The renovation embraced a "less but better" philosophy—each intervention serving multiple functions. The attic extension not only introduced a bedroom but also created a lightwell that naturally brightens the stairwell below.

In the kitchen, a curved grey quartz island provides additional seating and facilitates smoother traffic flow. The same material is echoed in the bespoke dining cabinetry, creating visual continuity throughout.

Interior Details That Blend Form and Function

The living room exudes quiet sophistication, anchored by a restored fireplace salvaged from a specialist yard, retaining its period proportions. Custom shelving creates a cozy reading nook, while curated finishes add modern warmth.

In the dining room, a quartz-topped cabinetry wall features a wine fridge, integrated drawers, and an elegant drinks cabinet—all under a large mirror that amplifies light and space.

The kitchen continues the refined material palette: white polyurethane cabinetry conceals a pull-out pantry, oven, and integrated refrigerator. Calacatta marble, sourced from a Sydney stone supplier, was chosen for its striking veining, subtly echoed in the gunmetal fixtures throughout.

Upper Levels: Balancing Privacy and Innovation

Upstairs, the master bedroom retains its original front balcony, while the second bedroom opens to a Juliet balcony via new French doors. A custom semi-spiral staircase, with sculptural metalwork, leads to the attic retreat—wrapped in curved glass and bathed in natural light.

The bathrooms are modern sanctuaries. The en-suite features a two-person rainhead shower under a new skylight, and ambient LED lighting throughout creates atmospheric mood shifts after dark.

Outside, a compact courtyard garden incorporates vertical greenery and alternating bands of lawn and stone pavers—maximizing outdoor usability without sacrificing style.

Respectful Innovation in a Heritage Context

One Surry Hills local put it best:

“This transformation redefines what a heritage terrace can be—honoring the past without being bound by it. The architects didn’t just preserve character; they elevated it. That hidden air conditioning? Pure genius.”

This architectural renovation in Surry Hills is a clear example of how heritage homes can be reimagined for modern life. Through sensitive planning, thoughtful material choices, and innovative design solutions, the project delivers a seamless dialogue between history and contemporary comfort.

Ready to Transform Your Heritage Home?

Looking to renovate a Victorian terrace or heritage home in Sydney? Contact our architecture studio to discuss how we can bring your vision to life—respectfully, sustainably, and beautifully.

Preserving History in a Modern Surry Hills Home

Located in the vibrant, design-forward neighborhood of Surry Hills, Sydney, this Victorian terrace renovation offers a thoughtful fusion of heritage character and modern living. The project focused on maintaining the home's 19th-century charm while adapting it for contemporary lifestyles.

The original façade was carefully preserved and refreshed with a heritage-inspired paint palette. Timber windows and doors were meticulously restored, even down to the concealed pulley systems of the sash windows—ensuring the home’s historical essence remained intact.