Sun Garden House reimaged in the heart of Darlinghurst
A heritage home tucked in the heart of Sydney reimaged. Letting natural light in filling the space warmth, openness, and a sense of contemporary elegance.
GALLERY
‘The brief specifically called for a modern renovations to juxtapose with the existing heritage fabrics of the home’,” says MCK Director Steve Koolloos. Thanks to a north-facing near, the design team was able to reorient the home towards natural light and open it up to the outdoor space.
“At the rear of the property, the home’s new core connects to a private garden at a juncture where the plan feels as large as it physically can both horizontally and vertically “says Koolloos.
Above the living area, a double-height void invites abundant sunlight into the home, enhancing verticality and a sense of openness. A bathroom is discreetly positioned on the upper level, with privacy preserved by a softly glowing wall of glass blocks.
Design choice like a floating planter box and deliberately smaller upper floor helps the space create an inviting and open atmosphere. Instead of the enclosed feel of a terrace, this home now feel bright, calm and connected to the outdoors.
Selecting Sun Shading
Strategically playing with the lighting was central to the architectural intent. Natural sunlight was brought deep into the home, but with the awareness that it would need to be carefully managed across seasons.
“Despite the intention to invite the sunlight in, it was critical that the light could be controlled such that the lower winter sunlight could almost reach the deepest wall of the living zone whilst limiting the harsher summer lights,” says Koolloos.
To make this vision come to life, MCK Architects collaborated with Shade Factor to implement an external shading solution designed to respond to the climate and ensure year-round comfort.
“The retracting, dim-out blind solution from Shade Factor ensured natural light could be controlled all year-round and embraced when desired or restricted when necessary. Across the course of any given day, the daylight can be fully shut out, moderately shut out or completely invited into the dwelling.”
The outcome is a home that can feel light-filled and open when desired, yet cool and shaded when required—an essential quality for comfortable urban living. “It’s this flexibility that makes the external venetian blind critical to the successful amenity of the home,” Koolloos adds. “When you’re designing in one of Australia’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, and space is at a premium, the motorised blind creates options for the homeowner that enhance the outcome.”
Shade Factor supplies and installed Warema motorised external venetian blinds (E80A6Z).The system features Warema’s Zetra slat, a distinctive profile designed for excellent dim-out, solar control and wind stability. The slats are rail-guided and finished in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016 Matt), with control via handheld remote and automatic retraction in high winds.
The Zetra slat offers visual clarity and functional performance in one product. compact stack height supports discreet integration, while the sharply defined geometry contributes to a refined facade expression.
“Shade Factor was selected for their reliability and innovative design solutions. Their ability to integrate with our clean-lined architectural aesthetic was critical and a large part of the success of the project,” Koolloos reflects.
As he puts it, “Designing and building a quality home is made effortless when Shade Factor are involved.”
Project Credits:
Architect: MCK Architecture + Interiors
Builder: Richards Building Company
Photographer: Prue Ruscoe
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