Comfort ZONE

Now a superb example of function meets form, this Victorian terrace ticks all the boxes.

- Alexandra Gordon

When Zoe and Mark stumbled upon this Victorian terrace in Sydney’s east, they instantly recognised its potential. Located ina quiet cul-de-sac, the four-bedroom home had a northerly aspect and was unusually light-filled for the building type. “We were drawn to the abundance of natural light, which permeates almost every room in the house, even the basement benefits from a nearby skylight,” says Mark.

The couple lived there with their two children, Eve, 15, and Ben, 12, and their cavoodle, Billie, for 10 years before embarking on a renovation. The house had been substantially altered in 2003 but it was looking a little tired.

“An earlier renovation had maximised the rear spaces,” says Victoria D’Alisa of Porebski Architects who together with her brother, architect Alex Heyko-Porebski, was brought in to refresh the spaces from top to bottom.

“We have known Victoria and Alex for many years, so when we decided to embark on the renovation we never contemplated working with other architects,” says Zoe. This existing relationship made for an enjoyable process. “Zoe and Mark were fantastic clients who truly appreciated the challenges of the design and build process,” says Alex. “They gave us the freedom to explore creative directions and embraced bold ideas to bring our vision to life.” While the work was mostly cosmetic, the process from briefing to completion took two anda half years.