Presenting you a renovated historical heritage houses is something like a trend for us in this hot summer days isn’t it? But the result is usually so fresh, graceful and in the case of this gorgeous Victorian villa located in Sydney suburbs, is even a bit urban along with contemporary.
The architects from Smart Design Studio (we have introduced you before to other projects from these architects, one of which – the Mandy long House – is even for the same family as the Orama Residence) had carefully preserved some of the original features and beautifully-crafted elements – like the fireplaces or traces from early paint schemes that were also retained, but they had also added unmistakable modern edge and high-class functionality in the interior.
The designers created a dynamic contrast in the interior decor and the new addition – minimalistic forms and defiles that pose the noteworthy texture of raw concrete meet the rich and beautiful art collection of the owners – so the bare concrete walls, and gracious rooms of the old house provide a dramatic setting for the art and the beautifully arranged landscape and gardens surrounding the property. The space of the living room flows into a well-appointed stainless steel kitchen, and into the garden and swimming pool beyond. Upstairs, a guest bedroom and chic bathroom occupy the glassy link between the old and new parts of the house. The black-and-white theme is successfully transfused from the old historical scheme into the new modern palette supplemented by the choice of the materials -robust concrete, dark steel, white wood and zinc – all merged in one stylish and chick arrangement.
The architects had payed special attention to the environmentally sensitive elements that were introduced to the old and new parts of the house. They installed hydronic floor heating and cooling, natural cross ventilation, exploitation of good solar orientation, thermally massive construction, and heat-exchange technology. Separated by a century and a half, the two parts of ‘Orama’ stand as a beautiful example of the best construction standards and artistic, architectural approaches of their day.
