Project Name: Greenoaks Cottage

Location: Darling Point, Sydney, Australia

Date Completed: February 2018

Architect: Hancock Architects

Construction: Bravura Build

Photographer: Prue Ruscoe

This was a restoration and renovation of a heritage building to a single dwelling after being segmented up into apartments. The project involved the restoration of a heritage listed building back to its former use as a large luxury single family dwelling.

All non-original fabric was to be removed and an internal void was inserted to create circulation space and to allow light penetration into the centre of the house through a large skylight. Hancock Architects brief was to reinstate the original details and proportions of the home. To provide a functional family home that would allow the family to come together as whole whilst providing smaller more intimate spaces throughout.

For Hancock Architects there are several favourite aspects of the project; The central circulation void provides a central focus for the house. It provides an intimate connection and allows light penetration into the centre of such a large home. It brings the house together as a whole. The kitchen was an integral part of the design of the whole house. It was focused around a large antique French work bench that was purchased prior to the house. This bench not only dictated the kitchen location and layout but also the overall aesthetics of the house. The Garden room with the original lead light windows is such an exquisite space that is so appealing to be in. It is such a unique room with so much charm and character. And finally, the master bathroom with the freestanding bathtub in the sandstone bay window offers the most luxurious bathing experience surrounded by light filtering through the lead light windows.

The design achieves what it set out to do. To return a beautiful old building back to its original state and to create a large luxurious family home. The proposed designed maintained and reinstated the original heritage character of the building within the existing gardens. The alterations are sympathetic to the original building and the proposed materials complement the existing buildings features.