Folded Old

Project currently under construction

Clients Tristan and Sam were keen to make the most of a well-positioned semi in Sydney's inner-west and create a more generous footprint for living than what these late 19th century houses afforded. Being a heritage-listed house, all new additions needed to be carefully considered and respect the character of the area.

Architecture: SAGO Design

Construction: SAGO Build

SAGO's approach to the renovation relocated the entrance to the side of the semi, allowing for people to access the social spaces first as the hub for family life. The design also introduced a language of folded planes to maintain solar access for the next-door neighbours as well as reduce the bulk and scale to not overwhelm the cottage feel to the front of the house.

By lowering the ground floor level and playing with the roof form, we cleverly fit a two storey addition into an envelope where generally only single storey additions are allowed.

The open kitchen, living and dining space connects to the garden, allowing the social spaces of the house to spill into the garden. The first-floor addition adds a generous master retreat and bathroom overlooking the garden.

The SAGO team played with off-form concrete, cantilevered steel balustrades, a tessellated ceiling form and folded steel awnings while bringing to life the tired old timber cottage.