Award of Merit:

Studio Duo for Vermont Terrace

As both an Architect and an Interior Designer, Angelique has led the studio to have a strong, holistic design focus. We celebrate the deep connection people have with places, and believe that spaces can speak of journey, context, and time. We are strong advocates for design being driven by its surroundings and believe the best results come from a considered and collaborative approach. Our process is to work towards fully understanding the clients as well as their brief, so that we may value add to their understanding and relationship with their spaces. Angelique’s methodology is to spend a good amount of time getting to know her clients early on, particularly with residential projects. It is important that there is a synergy with the clients and we get to know them and their site. This process of analysis, research, and review is critical before ideas are sketched. 

We work hard to see our clients' projects develop from concepts to completion. We have a love of detail and enjoy bringing ideas to fruition. Our passion is to see projects through to final delivery including the sourcing and/ or design of furniture and selection or commissioning of artworks There is a strong commitment to continuing professional development within the studio. We have a history of contributing to community projects and causes in order to share knowledge and understanding to assist with advancing the creative cultural framework for the region. There is a deep belief in social responsibility, working with clients to use local furniture designers, artists and artisans to create bespoke pieces whenever possible within the project scope.

About the Project

Located in one of Sydney’s most iconic heritage precincts, this terrace house originally built in the 1890’s has been restored and transformed into a contemporary family home. Sitting proudly, the design unfolds to reveal a harmonious blend of old and new, celebrating the rich tapestry of the Millers Point history. The success of the Vermont Terraces project is largely due to the collaborative approach of the whole team. Our client’s appreciation for their role as custodians led to our early engagement of as the led Architect. They also engaged the Heritage consultants and the builder early. This allowed for a considered and respectful problem-solving and workshopping of ideas. 

Our approach was to begin an in-depth understanding of the Conservation Management Plan, with further research into the history of the area and the family who originally built the house in the 1890’s. Managing the functional requirements of a modern family by adapting the space, whilst maintaining a reverence for the heritage significance required a delicate balance. The restoration offered opportunities to pay homage to the forgotten details. 

Considerations within the design included improving the cross-ventilation and natural daylight to the Lower Ground level by widening the doorway to the kitchen. We also removed the later added timber flooring at the lower allowing the addition of subfloor ventilation and hydronic heating. Lath and plaster walls, plaster detailing, and tuck-point details were all restored using minimally invasive techniques. We reimagined lost details by using old techniques with a modern design, including sand casting the house plaque for the entry. An additional bathroom on level one was carefully added to retain heritage fabric whilst increasing the amenity for the family. 

Our clients have remarked that the home’s finished result has intensified their passion for the city and its history. They had a carefully planned budget, which took into consideration the role of custodian to benefit both the heritage terrace and the local community. Their recognition that this project was both a privilege and a responsibility allowed a sensible and balanced approach to decision-making. A focus on quality, keeping crafts and skills alive with upfront investment and an understanding of the necessary ongoing maintenance. 

Materials were chosen for quality, fitness for purpose, respect of heritage and aesthetic criteria. Techniques were measured against the Burra charter and longevity of outcome. The result is a high quality, respectful and classically elegant home.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Angelique Perak - Lead Architect & Interior Designer
Jason Klumpp - Building Designer
Photographer - Brigid Arnott