This Victorian terrace reimagines a compact one-bedroom house as a light-filled family home for four. Rather than expanding into the garden, the design builds upward, allowing the backyard, courtyard and mature Ash tree to remain central to daily life.

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The project focuses on creating a stronger connection between house and landscape. Openings were enlarged, internal barriers removed, and natural light drawn deep into the plan, bringing warmth, openness and a greater sense of generosity to the compact footprint.

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The new upper level is carefully positioned to respond to heritage constraints while engaging with the surrounding treetops, creating the feeling of living among the landscape rather than simply overlooking it.

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Materially, the house balances old and new through a restrained palette of timber, brick and cement sheet. Existing elements were retained and celebrated where possible, reinforcing the character of the original terrace while supporting a contemporary way of living.

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Throughout, the design prioritises light, connection and adaptability, transforming a modest inner-city terrace into a spacious and enduring family home closely tied to its garden setting.

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Photography by Martina Gemmola