The Restoration of a House Into A Modern Architectural Marvel (House Tour)

Tasked with tackling the restoration of a house, Madeline Blanchfield Architects sought to turn Iririki House – which was originally built in 1906 – into a spacious home for a family of seven. With a focus on retaining and restoring the house to its former glory, the team created big open living spaces designed for the family to connect. With close proximity to the eastern beaches and Sydney city, Iririki House is a restoration of a house that begins from the newly restored front fence and garden to the additions at the rear.

Moved to the side of the home, the front door placement allows the family and guests to walk through the restored garden and pass the existing heritage house before entering into the new additions. Focused on establishing a delineation between old and new, Madeline Blanchfield Architects integrates subtle architecture and design techniques as well as modern furniture. Through the process of restoration, Madeline Blanchfield Architects made sure that all design choices stay respectful to the home’s original character but also reflect a contemporary occupation. Furthermore, with terrazzo used for flooring on the main level, the house offers an ease of movement from inside to out, and the timber employed throughout differs to that of the original flooring to highlight the difference between spaces.

On the right hand side of the house, Madeline Blanchfield Architects has placed a casual living space that has windows to the east overlooking the garden and to the west that offer views of the city. Designed to inspire outdoor living with its pavilion-like design, the new addition, when opened, encourages an appreciation of the home’s history. Continuing with the house tour, Madeline Blanchfield Architects wanted to draw people downstairs in a celebratory manner, so the addition of a spiral staircase – made of concrete and steel – lands in the middle of the living and dining areas. Through its sculptural appearance, the staircase becomes a part of the interior design. From here, the house tour leads to the downstairs living area that opens up to the rear garden and pool. Designed to promote an indoor-outdoor experience, the living room easily connects to the pool and rear yard with little separation from the inside spaces.

Moving on with the restoration of a house tour, Madeline Blanchfield Architects chose to draw on the red bricks of the heritage façade and add the material to the new extension. With some of the brick portions layered in a hit and miss style, light is encouraged inwards. Keeping the kitchen simple and refined, the team employs pocket doors to allow the space to feel airy and functional. Additionally, walnut décor and timber beams are both structural and functional, supporting lighting and air conditioning amenities. One of the show-stopping spaces of the home is the formal dining area. Located downstairs, the room is essentially underground, prompting the integration of a skylight that delivers a soft, gentle light. Through the restoration of a house, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has unified both contemporary and heritage design in a manner that is respectful and inspiring.

00:00 - History Of The Original Home
00:29 - Introduction To The Project
01:12 - The Restoration Process
01:50 - A Walk Through Of The House
02:44 - Drawing On Red Bricks
03:05 - Features Of The Kitchen and Dining Room
04:00 - Distinctions Between Flooring
04:23 - Final Reflections On The House

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Photography by Anson Smart.
Architecture and Interior Design by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects.
Build by Ivision Constructions.
Styling by Stanwix Studio and Atelier Lab.
Landscape by Nelson Thomas.
Engineering by Partridge.
Filmed and Edited by Dan Preston.
Production by The Local Project.

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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