Sweetness and light
This is an excerpt from an article in Sanctuary magazine issue 5.
David Lord and Cathy Beale’s home in Sydney’s inner-western suburb of Stanmore is proof that old-world charm and heritage values can co-exist harmoniously with the latest environmental design initiatives.
The original 1890 cottage still evokes a cozy atmosphere and glow but sensitively introduced 21st century features have transformed the home into a sustainable showcase.
A tin sign “Pianos, Organs, BEALE sewing machines” sourced from Cathy’s great-grandfather’s piano factory, sits above the gas-fired barbecue in the new courtyard/deck, sheltered by an operable roof and two sun-filled rooms on either side.
Cobalt blue, ember red and yolk yellow glass panels, which form part of the east wall in the kitchen, refer to the original stained glass in the adjoining back door and suffuse the new wing of the house with warm light. This new wing is a bright contrast to the dark, stock ’60s addition it replaced.
Says architect, Caroline Pidcock: “We approached the marriage of new and old by allowing both to be true to their own time and connected by colour, materials and well-organised planning”.
The charm of the house has not been compromised with the injection of passive, energy-efficient heating and cooling and much-needed light and space into the block. Ruby, the nine-year-old beagle and Rex, the three-year-old ginger shorthair dog, follow the sun around the home and garden at different times of the day, always able to find a warm spot for a kip. “Some unexpected places in the house have become new favourites for humans and animals alike,” says Beale. “The re-orientation of the living spaces has created many sunny spots at all times of the day.”
While walking Ruby the dog in October 2000, Cathy saw the house was for auction, and, intrigued by the shape of the block and the presence of large trees, the couple decided to inspect. They opted to buy the house, deciding not to renovate their existing semi-detached home on a small and narrow block.
The unusual triangular-shaped site with three street frontages provided both a challenge and a solution to the architectural project team. “One of the first decisions made was to remove the ‘4 by 4’ box-like ’60s addition at the back of the house,” says David.
The new extension keeps close to its eastern and southern boundaries with the courtyard/deck, around which the new addition forms a “U shape”, stepping into the garden area. A new upper room, in harmony with the roof-line of adjoining houses, provides an eerie view for David and Cathy who find inspiration while gazing out to see the Victorian terrace roofs, middle-distance church spires, the Anzac Bridge and city sky-line. There is no shortage of light here.
The roof over the deck can be opened and closed, providing a flexible indoor/outdoor space that works well in all weather conditions. Open, sunny living spaces connect with the garden which features three proud mature gums—an unusual inclusion for an inner-city home and features which David and Cathy decided would be integral to the overall design.
