Big Magic in Tiny Places: Architectural Alchemy in Newtown

You, my friend, find yourself on a journey – a bit like Alice down the Rabbit Hole or Dorothy over the Rainbow, except this adventure happens right here in Newtown, a part of Sydney’s inner west. Quite the quirky, diverse slice of the city, this neighborhood is nothing short of an epic saga in community vibes.

Now imagine being introduced to Dean Williams, the director of Architect George, as he welcomes you into the world of architectural innovation. This isn’t just any architect, mind you; Dean’s a regular maestro of small-footprint designs, sort of like Beethoven with blueprints. And you, lucky you, get to share his home with his partner and their dog, Monty. Yes, even the dog is in on this show!

Picture this: a house built in the 1930s, initially designed as a workers’ cottage. Back then, it served as cost-effective housing for Newtown residents. Sure, it may seem quaint at first glance, but don’t let the humble beginnings fool you. The original 35-square-meter blueprint has now been expanded to nearly 60 square meters. Remember, my friend, it’s not the size of the ship; it’s the motion in the ocean!

So, what did Dean do with the place? He lived in it, of course! For two to three years, this house was a work in progress. He spent this time learning its character, exploring its potential, and probably stepping on an errant Lego or two. The main goal? A home that generously opened to the great outdoors, sunlight, views of the garden, and the local community. No one likes feeling cooped up, right? That’s right; you’re not a chicken; you’re an eagle!

Once inside, you’d find a series of, well, shall we say, intimately cozy rooms. But never fear! Knock down a few walls here, add a second story there, et voilà! Suddenly, you’ve got an architectural wonder more impressive than pulling a rabbit out of a hat! Two new bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small green roof later, the transformation was complete. And you didn’t even need to wave a magic wand!

From the street, you wouldn’t even know a thing. All changes are hidden from view behind the original facade. It’s kind of like the world’s best-kept secret or Batman’s cave under Wayne Manor, minus the bats and millionaire playboy. But inside? Oh, inside, that’s where the magic happens!

Think dark brown engineered timber floorboards throughout, giving the house a sense of continuous, unbroken space, making it feel bigger than the TARDIS. You’ll find a living room with an original fireplace (for those ‘gather around the fire’ moments) and a kitchen that’s a pure symphony of stone, steel, and symmetry. The centerpiece? A thin stone island bench, the perfect spot for social gatherings and those 3 a.m. philosophical discussions about whether hot dogs are really sandwiches.

And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, boom! A semi-internal light well filled with lush greenery, bathing your dining space with sunlight. And a smaller concrete block bathroom, like a modest but magnificent sculpture nestled in the garden, with a curved mosaic shower that wraps around you like a warm hug from your grandma.

There’s so much more, but words can hardly do justice. A green roof with a view, stained glass panels casting rainbows on your bedroom walls, and a courtyard that extends your living space into the open air. This house is proof that nothing has to be sacrificed for a smaller home. You just need to recalibrate your understanding of what comfort and contemporary living mean.

So, what’s next on this architectural odyssey? Well, only time will tell. For now, feel free to bask in the glory of this renovated wonder, and remember – no space is ever too small if you’ve got a big enough imagination. And hey, if you’ve got a project that might interest us, let us know. Who knows, your home might be the next one on this epic adventure of small-space-living design!