Gadi People of the Eora Nation
New South Wales
Ten Room House reimagines a quintessential Sydney terrace through a careful renovation that balances heritage character with contemporary adaptability. Each nominal room is conceived with a distinct identity, some defined by program, others designed as flexible, multi-modal spaces that evolve over time. The house responds to the changing needs of multi-generational living, allowing family structures to reconfigure through sliding doors and temporal curtain walls that open or enclose spaces as required.
Climate responsiveness is central to the design. Playful voids, skylights, and precisely placed windows draw light and air deep into the narrow footprint, particularly within the wet areas. The home can open like a pavilion in summer or close into more intimate, insulated rooms in winter. Throughout, pocket gardens at varying heights introduce native planting and encourage wildlife, ensuring every room maintains a connection to nature and remains grounded in Country.
As our renovation came to life, we quickly realised we value spaces over space itself. Rather than maximising area, the design lets us do more with less. Curtains and sliding doors help rooms expand, contract and transform throughout the day. All rooms connect to the outdoors through light, air and favourite framed views. Working within budget constraints demanded innovation, and through close weekly collaboration with our architect and builder, we found nifty in‑situ solutions that make us more grateful to live here. Our green spaces have even sparked a new passion for native gardening, spilled into the nature strip!