PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Leichhardt NSW
Project Type: Extension & Renovation
Council: Leichhardt Council
Alterations and additions to a narrow Leichhardt workers cottage on a 108.6m² site. The design retained the original street frontage while adding an attic master suite, expanded rear living areas and a north-facing internal courtyard to improve natural light, ventilation, privacy and everyday functionality.
PROJECT GALLERY
THE BRIEF
The existing two-bedroom workers cottage occupied an extremely narrow 108.6m² site with a frontage of only about 4.1 metres. The owner wanted additional living space, a larger kitchen and family area, another bedroom and bathroom, and a private master suite without changing the established appearance of the cottage from Excelsior Street. The limited site width made natural light, ventilation, privacy and efficient use of space particularly important.
THE DESIGN RESPONSE
The original front façade and roof form were retained, with the new work concentrated behind the existing cottage to minimise its appearance from the street. An attic-style upper level was incorporated within the roof area to create a master bedroom and ensuite without exceeding the existing ridge height. On the ground floor, the layout was reorganised around a north-facing internal courtyard. Large glazed openings bring daylight and winter sun into the centre of the narrow home while also improving natural ventilation. The rear extension provides a new kitchen, family and dining area, bedroom, bathroom and laundry, creating considerably more usable living space within the restricted 108.6m² site. No windows were introduced along the northern and southern upper-level walls, helping maintain privacy between the closely spaced neighbouring properties.
PROJECT OUTCOME
Excelsior Street House transformed a two-bedroom workers cottage on an exceptionally narrow Leichhardt site into a considerably larger and more functional home. The completed design added an attic master suite, improved family living areas and a central courtyard while retaining the original cottage façade, roofline and relationship with the neighbouring terrace. The internal courtyard brings natural light, ventilation and northern winter sun deep into a home only around four metres wide.
Awards & Recognition
Winner - Residential Alterations & Additions over $250,000, Building Designers Association of NSW
Featured in Winning Design Magazine