Gadigal
New South Wales
Aurora is a thoughtful reimagining of a Victorian workers’ cottage in Annandale. A study in restraint, the project shows how a modest intervention can extend the life of existing housing while enriching environmental performance and everyday living.
Guided by a Goldilocks philosophy of ‘just enough,’ an additional 28m² unlocks light, volume and connection to landscape without overwhelming the original home. Heritage fabric is carefully retained and upgraded, preserving the character of the conservation area, while the addition remains visually recessive from the street.
At the rear, deep planting replaces a previously paved yard, increasing permeability and supporting biodiversity and urban cooling. The all-electric home is powered by rooftop solar and designed for passive comfort through cross-ventilation, improved insulation and high performance glazing.
Aurora transforms a constrained cottage into a light filled, future-ready home – modest in size, generous in experience, and grounded in care for place.
Everything flows, visually and physically, which makes even ordinary routines feel calmer and more enjoyable. The way light moves through the house across the day has become something we’re constantly aware of, from soft morning light in the kitchen to the warm glow in the living spaces in the evening.
Spaces feel flexible and intuitive, it’s as comfortable for quiet nights at home as it is for hosting friends and family. There’s a strong sense of connection between rooms and gardens that makes the house feel open and welcoming while still private. The house truly feels like our sanctuary.
Melinda Fletcher, Design Architect
Michael Rogers, Project Architect
Monique Camilleri, Architectural Assistant
Rob O’Reilly, ROR Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Anne Warr Heritage Consulting, Heritage Consultant
Damian O’Toole Town Planning & Heritage Services, Heritage Consultant
Richard Unsworth & Declan Byrnes, Studio UC, Landscape Consultant
Natalie Richter Planning, Town Planner
Freedom Mawoyo, Stellen Consulting, Hydraulic Consultant
Nick Musarevski, Real Est, Cost Consultant
Lee Benari, Koikas Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant