Owen and Tom, a young professional couple, engaged Sandbox Studio to transform their rundown Victorian terrace in Paddington, Sydney, into a modern home, while restoring its heritage character. The architects designed a minimalist alteration and addition, increasing the space and light without overdeveloping the site.

The living room is at the front of the house, and the kitchen and dining are in the new rear extension, with a high ceiling and high-level windows creating volume, spaciousness, and bringing in light. Large bi-folding doors open to the sunny courtyard, bookended by a new studio with a bedroom and bathroom. The open timber staircase filters light, breeze and sightlines, and the first-floor attic is now a cosy new bedroom/study, with a dormer window for natural light and rooftop views.

Photography by Katherine Lu