Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade, CourtyardCnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography, Living Room, Windows, Table, Brick, ChairCnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Countertop, ChairCnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior PhotographyCnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - More Images+ 7

Sydney, Australia
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Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography, Living Room, Windows, Table, Brick, Chair
© Chris Warnes

Text description provided by the architects. An inventive reworking of a traditional Federation home, Cnr Virginia by Studio Prineas retains the intimacy and scale of the heritage home while overlaying an expansive rear addition for contemporary living. The home’s characterful front facade is faithfully restored, retaining a strong streetscape presence in the home’s coveted inner-eastern suburb of Kensington. Internally, Studio Prineas has preserved the historic bones of the home. Crisp white walls draw focus to era-defining hallmarks, including mellow timber flooring, ornate pressed-tin ceilings, and cast-iron fireplaces.

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Chris Warnes
Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade, Courtyard
© Chris Warnes

Beyond, the new addition is clearly distinguished from the original house via a delicately glazed walkway. An adjacent courtyard gives a spirited garden aspect, planted with water-wise Australian natives in keeping with the home’s rear bushland views. A lowered floor level thoughtfully conceals the extension from the street elevation, addressing strict planning regulations of the conservation area locale. Playfully mimicking the pitched volumes of the Federation frontage, the light-filled addition merges minimalist forms articulated in blackened timber and recycled red brick. The interior continues these dual material expressions, combining sleek and rugged finishes to create depth and dimension within the expansive space. 

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography
© Chris Warnes

The kitchen is articulated in black Paperock, a sustainable building material combining condensed layers of renewable paper bonded with resin. Figured grey marble gives subtle tactility, while black fixtures and framing blend seamlessly with the cabinetry. A deep island bench encourages groups of family and friends to gather informally, with a fine linear pendant floating weightlessly above. 

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography, Living Room, Chair
© Chris Warnes

A linear skylight draws in light along the boundary edge, leading towards a generous butler’s pantry concealing preparation space and kitchen amenities. Operable glazing opens the interior laterally to the garden, where a greyed Blackbutt deck surrounds the pool and native vegetation brims the perimeter. Above, a master suite forms an elevated sanctuary for rest and relaxation, overlooking the expansive garden and adjacent tiled rooftops.

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table
© Chris Warnes
Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Interior Photography
© Chris Warnes

Throughout, Studio Prineas has thoughtfully framed calming vistas, uniting the interior with its rugged native landscape. The timeless monochrome palette and lean edit of furniture honor the heritage pedigree of the home, while new architectural interventions establish a respectful dialogue between old and new, carving new opportunities for connection.

Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas - Exterior Photography
© Chris Warnes

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Cite: "Cnr Virginia House / Architect Prineas" 24 Sep 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/989454/cnr-virginia-house-architect-prineas> ISSN 0719-8884

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