From Brutalism to Fantasy: Terrace House Mirage by Alcami Architecture.

Styling credits: Painting by David Serisier from Liverpool Street Gallery. Cappellini 01 Chair via Cult Design. Flor Toio Lamp via Euroluce. Ponti Pipes Vaze & Guzzini Faro Lamp via 506070. Brass Spoon via The DEA Store. Sana Bowl by Tom Fereday.

Styling credits: Cast bonze Sia Chair by Tom Fereday. Painting by David Serisier from Liverpool Street Gallery. Mano Glass Sculptures & Cove Polished Aluminium Coffee table by Tom Fereday. Dice cup & dice from Georg Jensen. Glass by Joe Colombo, Katavolost T-chair, Chain mail lamp & Magistretti’s Vicario red chair, Med Resin Vase, Ponti Pipes Vase, Guzzini Faro Lamp and Asti Red Ashtray, all via via 506070. Flor Toio Lamp via Euroluce. Stainless Steel sculpture by Christopher Hodges via Utopia Art. Marco Terra Rug via The Rug Establishment.

Styling credits: Missoni Miss Wood Chair via Spence and Lyda. Stainless steel sculpture on kitchen island via District. Wave bowl on kitchen island from Georg Jensen. Pillar lamp on the stair by Studio Henry Wilson.

When it comes to compact Victorian terrace renovations in this town, it’s a rare gem to find a project that breaks the mould and offers a fresh perspective. In a landscape where property resale values often dictate the design, this project stands out, refusing to conform to the norm and delivering a unique, one-of-a-kind outcome.

An utterly unexpected and delightful interpretation of urban living, Terrace House Mirage captures the essence of constrained spaces with a finesse that borders on the miraculous. Victor Alcami of Alcami Architecture describes it best: “This home is a mirage in the desert of the Victorian terraces that define our perception of the history of Chippendale.”

Behind an unassuming front door, the interior unfolds as a captivating narrative from the point of entry down its entire length. Drawing from the client’s Spanish heritage and his deep love of orange, the design response is an inventive ode to Spanish tradition with bold moments of colour applied with confidence and aptitude, particularly in the bathroom.

Fronte Oceano: Terrace Extension in Newcastle East by ASJP Architecture.

A deep love for the ocean and an existing home that has stood for almost two hundred years has drawn two of Australia’s beloved artists, Lottie Consalvo and James Drinkwater, to establish their roots in Newcastle East.

Styling credits: Vestige Table by Annie Paxton Studio. Bottle from Planet. Tangle chrome sculpture via Fineworks Paddington.

Styling credits: (left) Double column in Chainmail by Annie Paxton Studio; (above) Round amber vase via Connie and Vi. Craighill Venn Puzzle via the Hub General Store.

A bonkers design dialogue enriches the interior by blending Modernism, Japanese Architecture, 70s and 80s Spanish and Italian design, neo-classical layering, and elements of Expressionism from the Weimar Republic. There’s a lot going on, but it all just works. The expanse of raw materials holds the spaces together, evoking a sense of Brutalism while simultaneously rejecting materiality, reinforcing the mirage-like effect.

The compact 60sqm terrace has been reimagined with elements it previously lacked, such as an outdoor garden and a sense of openness. The ground floor is conceived as an outdoor space with a new courtyard featuring a sliding panel parallel to the stairs for a fully open area. Visual continuity is maintained through elements like frameless full-height glass and floating benches inspired by Donovan Hill’s ‘D House.’

A masterstroke of spatial choreography is the insertion of mirrored walls that dissolve and expand the perception of spatial boundaries, a nod to the American Bar by Adolf Loos. “It’s an invitation to reflect on what space is and what its limits are, if there are any,” explains Alcami.

A Lively Diorama: Artistas Apartment in Madrid by Nomos Architects.

The genius intervention makes the most of numerous arched openings where joyous and playful joinery elements are inserted, delivering a lively home despite its small-scale footprint.

Styling credits: Ceramic bowl via Grandfather’s Axe. Glasses by Studio Dokola via Craft Victoria.

Styling credits: Terracotta cup via Top3 By Design.

Styling credits: Alima Trolley NDS1 by &Tradition from Cult. Artwork by Graziela Guardino. Classicon Usha umbrella stand via Anibou. Lamina chair by Annie Paxton Studio.

Styling credits: Heavy linen bedcover & rectangle cushion via In Bed Store. Classicon Diana A side table via Anibou. Pelota table lamp via 506070.

At its core, this project celebrates the fluidity of indoor/outdoor living, a theme woven intricately into every detail. From the introduction of an interior courtyard to the insertion of the kitchen ‘desk’ (a cooktop that transforms into an outdoor dining table commonly found in Spain), each element blurs the boundaries between inside and out, inviting the sky, the landscape, and natural elements into the fabric of the design.

Conceptually, Terrace House Mirage highlights the beauty and mystery of transitional spaces and serves as a cultural and architectural statement that seeks to introduce an element of fantasy into everyday life—an aspirational escape from reality. Beyond the abundance of joy it delivers, perhaps the biggest success of this project is how the design integrates the Australian outdoor lifestyle within a tight Victorian terrace typology, making it a significant and replicable model for future renovations across Australia. Massive respect.

This Architectural Gem in Sydney's Paddington Transforms the Street.

There’s an ease to this newly-built Paddington house that masks its economy. Single gestures generate multiple outcomes, nothing is wasted, and much is achieved with little.

[Images courtesy of Alcami Architecture. Editorial styling by Clare Delmar. Photography by Dave Wheeler.]