Earlwood House

Situated on a stepped site in Sydney's inner west, pH+ Architects reconfigured an existing home to create a residence that responds to its unique topography whilst ticking all the boxes when it comes to the requirements and functionalities of a family home.

As the original dwelling lacked the practicality for day to day family life and was unsuccessful at engaging with its surrounding contexts, pH+ Architects implemented a series of carefully considered and strategic subtractions and additions to improve the overall functionality and layout of the home.

The new design sees the layout of Earlwood House separated across four stepped levels, following the natural rise and slope of the site. Revising the layout resulted in a larger more practical floor plan for the residing family.

The ground floor presents as an elevated level which consists of a series of zones set within a single floor plate. Opening fully to both the front and rear of the property, the ground floor links the home to new exterior areas, allowing the residents to enjoy all the benefits of indoor/outdoor living whilst taking full advantage of the surrounding views from a height. 

The upper level has a more private feel and houses the sleeping quarters including a new master suite complete with a full width terrace, capturing views of the CBD previously unseen from the original building.

A series of double height spaces provide a vertical connection between the floors whilst pockets of greenery and external planting are situated close to the house, further connecting the home's interior to its exterior.

Earlwood House presents itself as a confident yet understated addition to the streetscape. Its reduced and muted external material palette creates a contemporary aesthetic, with the brick façade detail adding an element of texture and pattern to the exterior.

A similar pared-back material and colour palette was utilised throughout the home's interior. Several internal walls feature exposed brick, whilst a combination of concrete and timber floors paired with stone details, add to the modern appearance of the home.

Crisp white walls reflect light to brighten the interior while dark timber floors and black window frames create a contrast.

By implementing a series of considered design choices, pH+ Architects have successfully transformed an impractical existing home into a high-quality understated and functional family home.

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