Paddington Victorian Terrace Renovation

Located only a few hundred metres from the first project our architectural practice completed, this Paddington terrace represents everything we have learned through more than 25 years of renovating terrace houses and heritage homes across Sydney. It is also one of several terrace renovations we have completed within the surrounding Paddington neighbourhood—an area whose architecture, planning controls and heritage character we understand intimately.

At the outset, one of the owners’ most important priorities was replacing the existing staircase, which was exceptionally steep and difficult to use. Because the Victorian terrace sits within a Heritage Conservation Area, achieving this through a conventional Development Application presented significant challenges. We developed a strategic approval pathway, using Complying Development for the staircase works and securing DA approval for the remainder of the terrace alterations and additions. The new staircase is safer and far more functional while respecting the original character of the house.

Every available part of the Paddington terrace has been carefully considered. The roof space, which was not naturally high enough for a conventional attic conversion, was transformed through an inventive split-level design. Raising the bed within the attic bedroom allowed us to retain valuable ceiling height in the rooms below while creating an additional, beautifully resolved living space above. Four bathrooms were also incorporated into the house, including an ensuite and a discreet ground-floor powder room, without compromising the feeling of openness.

Natural light was fundamental to the design. A feature skylight introduces soft daylight into the main living area, while its curved geometry is carried through the architectural detailing and custom joinery. An internal north-facing window with opaque glazing draws borrowed light through the stairwell into the ensuite and main bedroom, brightening spaces that would otherwise have received limited natural light while maintaining complete privacy.

The owners brought a clear vision and valuable renovation experience to the process. Through close collaboration between client, architect and builder, the completed Paddington terrace house renovation remains remarkably true to the atmosphere and functionality they hoped to achieve. The result is a calm, sophisticated home that uses every part of its historic structure intelligently—demonstrating how an experienced Paddington terrace architect can preserve the character of a Victorian terrace while transforming it for contemporary life