Feature Project: Mosman
In the heart of a heritage conservation area stood a dilapidated house with a rich history waiting to be revived. Our clients, a young family with a vibrant vision, came to us to breathe new life into their newly acquired estate. And that’s exactly what we did.
The brief
Our clients sought a modern oasis that would home a growing family for years to come while harmonising with the heritage conservation area. Collaborating with architect Demis Bhargava from HecticrAt Architects, we aimed to restore the period features in the existing front while replacing the unsympathetic rear addition with an open-plan living space. Upstairs, a contemporary first-floor addition was required, featuring a master bedroom, ensuite, and a balcony that would seamlessly blend old and new.
The challenges
We knew from the beginning that the Mosman project would test our capabilities, and our team strove to meet every challenge with creativity and dedication. There were three challenges in particular that stood out:
1. The heritage house featured a medley of out-of-character alterations and additions, including a dim-lit lean-to addition at the rear of the house. These renovations were not only unsympathetic with the heritage design of the home, but also contributed to the home being unliveable. To restore the home to its former glory and successfully meet Council heritage and planning guidelines, they had to be addressed with care.
2. It was no question that the roof of our client’s home required reconstructing. What posed a few challenges was the proximity of neighbouring roofs. We had to ensure that our client’s roof would sit flush with the adjoining roofs, as originally designed, and had to make certain that any work we carried out didn’t impact their structural and waterproofing adequacy.
3. Lastly, we had to battle against the Sydney climate as inclement weather threatened our schedule. Our team’s dedication saw them working back to back on multiple occasions, helping us avoid potential delay and ensure our clients got their shiny new keys in hand when promised.
The design
The final result spoke volumes – a chic, modern oasis emerged from the ruins. Contemporary materials and bespoke elements such as polished concrete floors and a formed bathtub breathed new life into the space. The living room, with its raked skillion roof, became a generous, light-filled haven. The upstairs addition, while modern in design, respectfully blended with the existing tiled roof, creating a harmonious streetscape in the conservation area.
The Mosman project was not only a triumph for the homeowners but also earned recognition as a finalist at the 2023 HIA Awards for renovation/addition projects in NSW between $800,000 - $1.2 million. This success stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the visionary homeowners, architect Demis Bhargava, and the dedicated TASS team who turned a shambled estate into a beautifully realised modern dwelling.
If you’d like to breathe new life in your dream heritage listed home, contact our capable team today to get started with TASS.