Emerald House

Emerald House is an alteration and addition of a heritage-listed and historically revered 1890s Victorian home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The design intent seeks to balance the practicality of family life with a love of entertaining, whilst also retaining and heroing the structure's historical character and unique features.

The client’s aim to bring the outside in informed the aesthetic; this was to be a sanctuary, clear and restorative, not a place of escape but of reconnection. Equally their vision to fuse the property’s historic story with their passion for art resulted in a theatrical, detailed and contemporary residence within its heritage envelope.

The main scope of works included a rear extension for the reorientated kitchen and family room connecting with the north-facing garden, and the reconfiguration of the parent’s retreat for better visual connection which now includes three spaces; bedroom with custom joinery, walk-in robe featuring an entrance to a new outdoor balcony overlooking the rear garden and ensuite.

The interiors palette is materially diverse, celebrating rich, luxurious colours and playful textures featuring multiple burgundy and green stone varieties. Dark timber flooring creates a solid base for playful, geometric custom rugs. The master suite’s masculine mood is brought to life with American Oak joinery and brass pulls as well as a havana hued leather bedhead and storage unit.

"This project was anchored by our client's love of art, nature and the beauty of reconnection, resulting in a space that is both vibrant and deeply personal."

Aimy Dodge