Tardis-Like Small Sydney Semi Gets a Big Transformation by Downie North.

Downie North have cleverly reimagined a corner-site semi-detached residence in Sydney’s Queens Park. The transformation balances multiple competing needs while maximising connections to landscape and light, earning its playful nickname “the Tardis.”

The original two-bedroom, one-bathroom home occupied a prized north-facing corner site but lacked the space and amenity for Bob, Nicole, and their young daughter Grace. What began as a simple renovation evolved into a more significant transformation that would accommodate everything from work-from-home requirements to gatherings of up to 25 extended family members.

“As we discussed how they enjoyed living in the existing house and what their ideals were for their family, their active outdoor-focused lifestyle became readily apparent,” explains Catherine Downie. “We saw an opportunity to create a roof terrace above their existing garage, effectively extending the garden and outdoor spaces.”

A Protective Structure Planted on the Rock: Castlecrag Courtyard by Downie North.

With a panoramic landscape that faces the city, Middle Harbour and the ocean, this home creates a series of experience that unfold to alternative views.

The architectural response is both practical and poetic. New bedrooms and a bathroom were cleverly sleeved into the void of the steeply sloping existing roof, minimizing overshadowing to the neighbouring property. The communal areas below fan out around an outdoor terrace, with curved geometries maintaining fluid connections between spaces.

Impressively, the 213-square-meter site now features landscaping running the entire length, with all interior spaces enjoying garden views—a rare luxury for an inner-city property. The addition of a roof terrace above the existing garage has effectively doubled the useable outdoor space while enhancing privacy and capturing district views.

The interior palette radiates warmth through thoughtfully selected materials. “The client’s love of rich, earthy tones took centre stage,” notes Daniel North. “These were selected where specific memories from childhood were evoked or a memory from travel was recalled.” Japanese ceramic tiles ground the communal spaces, complemented by spotted gum veneer, ‘Tanguy’ red, and warm not-quite-whites throughout.

New Line House: Studio Prineas Revives a 1960s Pettit & Sevitt Sydney Gem.

In Northern Sydney's bushlands, Studio Prineas preserves the mid-century character of a Pettit & Sevitt 'Lowline' house while adapting it for contemporary family life.

Sustainability was carefully considered in the process. The one-room-deep layout takes full advantage of its northern orientation for passive temperature regulation while strategically placed skylights and operable glazing harness natural ventilation. The all-electric home includes solar panels with provision for future battery storage.

The success of the project is perhaps best captured in the client’s own words: “It’s a unique, functional, comfortable home that far exceeded our original hopes. We love everything that has been achieved—the way the footprint of the house has grown to meet our needs while retaining the amount of outdoor space; how the northern light is optimized, the use of curves, textures and earthy colours; our tranquil, airy bedrooms; the garden for our 4-year-old. It’s a house that is so easy to live in.”

Like a Picnic Rug Under a Canopy: House for BEES by Downie North.

Shared values of connectedness, place-making and passive design lead the client to Downie North, a Sydney-based architecture studio of Catherine Downie and Daniel North, partners in life and work.

[Images courtesy of Downie North. Styling by Atelier Lab. Photography by Tom Ferguson.]