Dragon Tree Terrace

Dragon Tree Terrace is home to a young professional couple, located in Newtown, Sydney, on land traditionally inhabited by the Cadigal people. This heritage conservation area is characterised by dense urban development on the western edge of the inner city. The homes here typically consist of single and double-storey Late Victorian terrace groups.

Constructed around 1890-91, Dragon Tree Terrace is one of a group of three terraces. It appears as a single storey from the street but is actually two storeys at the rear due to the sloping land.

Dragon Tree Terrace had been on the rental market for years and required extensive repairs and maintenance. The project involved alterations and additions to the physically degraded terrace and a lot of love and patience from its new owner-occupiers.

The design brief focused on renovating an existing terrace house to increase the accommodation, enhance natural light and ventilation, and improve connectivity between the Ground Floor and Lower Ground levels, including increasing the ceiling height in the Lower Ground.

Originally, the house featured two rooms alongside a hallway and a rear room with a compact kitchen. The site slopes to the south, allowing for a basement with rooms that were borderline habitable, light well shafts, and a bathroom and laundry at the rear. A narrow, steep internal stair connected the two levels.

The goal was to create a private sanctuary where the owners could work from home, relax, entertain, and enjoy life. The home required significant improvements to enhance functionality and comfort, as the interior spaces were dark, cold, and damp in winter while overheating in summer. Overall, the thermal performance and natural light were inadequate, and all amenities needed replacement, alongside necessary structural repairs.

The design concept for Dragon Tree Terrace draws inspiration from its street-facing verandah, characterised by a series of arches, including a fanlight above the entry door, arched windows in the front room, and arches in the masonry boundary wall flanking the verandah. These arches influenced the interior design, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The planning strategy groups quieter activities—such as sleeping and working—on the Ground Floor, while more vibrant activities, like cooking and living, are situated on the Lower Ground Floor, allowing for a seamless connection to the outdoor area. To enhance the living experience, the existing Ground Floor was raised to provide generous ceiling heights in the Lower Ground Living areas. The new staircase serves as a transition between the preserved front room and the new rear addition.

The partial demolition of the home’s rear and the addition of a sympathetic extension reflect the established pattern of utilitarian rear wings along the lane. The rear garden not only offers valuable off-street parking but also serves as a covered outdoor living space, perfect for hosting gatherings.

Throughout the design process, functionality was a key focus, leading to innovative storage solutions. It was essential to incorporate multi-functional spaces—such as a home office or guest room—to ensure the home remains practical and adaptable for years to come.

Dragon Tree Terrace is situated within a heritage conservation area and was built around 1890-91 as a working-class home, making it one of the earliest constructions on the street. The project preserves the original facade while upgrading the windows and entry door and incorporating lacework to harmonise with neighbouring properties.

A skillion roof is discreetly hidden from the street view by a masonry parapet, which features a decorative string moulding and a triangular raised central pediment, enhancing the building's historical character while maintaining a cohesive relationship with its context.

Additionally, the small front garden retains a Dragon Tree and Cocos Palm, both of which are somewhat out of scale with the surrounding architecture. Despite this, their preservation was required by planning regulations, and they add a whimsical touch to the overall design.

Dragon Tree Terrace showcases a thoughtful integration of sustainable and eco-friendly features, emphasising both durability and aesthetics.

To minimise environmental impact, energy-efficient appliances and water-saving plumbing fixtures were carefully selected to lower overall energy consumption and reduce water usage. The home features skylights that significantly decrease the need for artificial lighting during the day. Strategically placed operable skylights enhance natural ventilation, particularly in the bathroom, improving indoor air quality and comfort.

Comprehensive insulation is employed throughout the building to enhance energy efficiency. Insulation has been added to the masonry wall cavity, floors, and ceilings, minimising heat loss during winter and keeping the home cool in summer, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling systems.

The design emphasises the use of robust, natural materials that celebrate a raw, imperfect aesthetic. Reclaimed timber parquetry flooring not only contributes to the project's eco-conscious construction but also adds warmth and character to the space.

Brick, a central material in the project, was chosen for its sustainability, derived from its natural clay composition and long-lasting durability. Its ability to withstand weathering and time ensures a reduced environmental impact over the building’s lifespan.

Provision has also been made for future solar panel installation, further bolstering the home's eco-friendly profile and supporting long-term energy efficiency goals.

Working with old buildings often brings hidden challenges and uncertainties, only revealed during light demolition. As expected with a structure over 100 years old, nothing was square or level. During the demolition process, significant termite damage was discovered in the roof framing.

Construction was also impacted by material shortages and supply chain disruptions due to Covid. Staying true to the original design and selected materials extended the construction timeline.

Weather conditions posed additional difficulties during the build, with Sydney experiencing unusually high rainfall, leading to its wettest year on record.

Reviving the Dragon Tree Terrace required a dedicated, hands-on builder who balanced practical solutions while preserving the original design.

Over the years, the original finishes and trims, including ceilings and cornices, were removed and replaced. The interior was degraded and has seen significant changes, including the addition of a basement level for extra living space.

The carefully selected materials offer a timeless appeal. White walls and ceilings are paired with the warmth of recycled blackbutt timber floors and timber veneer joinery. White and green kit kat tiles, along with the deep, rich tones of Verde Guatemala marble, add sophistication and confidence to the space.

The blackbutt parquetry floors bring warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. Skylights and mirrors enhance natural light, creating an illusion of more space and adding visual interest.

Response provided by the client and owner of the Dragon Tree Terrace:

Our home has truly become a sanctuary, offering a serene escape not just for us, but for friends and family as well. Together, our architect and builder have created a home which more than delivers the vision, creating light-filled spaces that feel unexpectedly spacious given the home’s modest footprint.

One of the most delightful aspects of the house is the way it gradually reveals itself. We are yet to tire of seeing the surprise and wonder on visitors' faces as they descend to the lower-ground living area. This space is a peaceful retreat, grounded in natural tones and textures, and enveloped by greenery. Another favourite is the master bedroom, where the high ceilings and abundance of natural light are a joy to wake up to. The main bathroom, with its generous bath and double shower, offers a spa-like experience at home that is hard to leave.

Finally, we are thrilled to have played a part in extending the life of this home. Through thoughtful design, craftsmanship and materials, the design and build process has created a space that feels both timeless and enduring. We hope this home continues to bring joy and comfort for generations to come.

GH & Sons