4 minute read
Traverse A Reinvented Victorian Terrace Home
PROJECT Vessel ARCHITECTURE Madeleine Blanchfield Architects STYLING Jack Milenkovic PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Ferguson INTERVIEW Megan Rawson
Produced in partnership with Winnings.
In her latest Sydney project, architect Madeleine Blanchfield, of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects blends the heritage charm of a Victorian terrace with a fresh take on reinventing the home for the clients’ evolving lifestyle. The renovation maintains the essence of the original structure while introducing a bold, modern rear addition, marked by a double skylit void bathing the space in natural light.
In this interview, Blanchfield reveals the vision behind the project, the defining design elements, and how a considered selection of appliance and furniture pieces from Winnings elevate this urban refuge.
How did the Victorian terrace home's heritage overlay shape your architectural approach to balancing tradition with contemporary design?
Madeleine Blanchfield: The house strikes a wonderful balance of serenity and expectation, with the brief for an urban oasis fully realised. Highlights include seeing the house evolve through various phases, especially during parties, and observing how people relax and move through the spaces. The fusion of Victorian detail, Australian landscape, and contemporary architecture creates a truly unique home.
The original house remains intact, complemented by a new, contemporary rear addition. In response to early heritage advice suggesting a pitched roof for the new section, we expanded on this idea, creating a double skylit void with a folded roof form. The rear pavilion, which houses the new kitchen, bar, and study, is defined by this distinctive roof. The addition is further enriched by pocket tropical gardens that flood the space with natural light, transforming what was once a dark, uninviting area.
How does the kitchen serve as the central hub of the home, both functionally and aesthetically?
Madeleine Blanchfield: The extension houses a large kitchen island and a study behind pocket doors. At times, it’s a quiet workspace; at others, it’s a haven for the couple to prepare meals and spend time together. It can also be opened up for parties, with a concealed bar and ample space for guests. The voluminous, unadorned space invites multiple uses.
The kitchen area appears simple but features intricate detailing; the joinery houses and conceals many functions, and the bespoke brickwork required custom fixing details. Achieving a calm, refined appearance required hard work to make it feel effortless.
What role did integrated appliances play in achieving a streamlined and efficient kitchen?
Madeleine Blanchfield: Key considerations included the client’s specific requirements, family size, entertainment needs, and budget. Additionally, the layout, aesthetic, and palette of each project guided the selection process. The Miele ovens were chosen for their all-black appearance and ability to be fully integrated. The Gaggenau fridge and freezer’s motorised push-to-open function allowed them to be incorporated without handles, contributing to the sleek, calm aesthetic.
The interiors feel both contemporary and enduring. What was your guiding philosophy when selecting materials and finishes?
Madeleine Blanchfield: I love author Peter Brook's quote in his book The Empty Space: “A stage space has two rules: (1) Anything can happen and (2) Something must happen.” The project’s philosophy was to design a bare stage for life’s theatre to fill and empty. The palette is innovative in its constraint—carefully selected materials used sparingly to bring a monastic quality to the house, asserting a calm presence in the inner-city block.
The design process involved exceptional collaborative planning, considering every functional or personal element early on to ensure it had its own, often concealed, place. The focus was on creating an atmosphere rather than over-embellishing spaces. Every selection earned its place on Vessel's stage.
De La Espada’s designs bring a refined yet functional sensibility to the home. What drew you to these pieces, and how do they contribute to the overall aesthetic?
Madeleine Blanchfield: The Twenty-Five dining chair, Cursa armchair and Shaker chair all punctuate the space with timber and sheepskin, adding warmth, human touch, and craftsmanship. De La Espada’s design philosophy for the Cursa chair resonates with our approach to Vessel: ‘Cursa was designed with an emphasis on the overall volume and negative space; its solid timber interior structure creates a dynamic interplay of thicknesses around its curves’. The Shaker chair from De La Espada references the narrow, climbing form typical of heritage terrace architecture, particularly around the central staircase.
