This Federation Home In Sydney Hides A Refreshingly Modern Twist
Architecture
Alpha House by Studio Prineas is a renovation and extension of a Sydney home.
Seeking connection to the mature gardens and towering jacaranda tree was one of the catalysts for the renovation.
An old garage has been converted into a terracotta-coloured teenage retreat beside the poolside deck.
The kitchen. Tiberio Stone from Artedomus. American White Oak from Briggs Veneer. Highline Pendant Light by Archier. Diiva Swivel Stool by Grazia and Co.
The new extension houses the open-plan kitchen, living and dining room.
The ceiling line is ‘pulled up’ through the living and dining spaces, celebrating the home’s existing roof pitch.
Sliding doors and pivot windows open to the lush backyard. Francesco Binfaré Edra Sofa from Space Furniture. Trio Floor Lamp by Snelling Studio. Wave Chair by Daniel Boddam. Agra rug in Dutchess by Armadillo.
Francesco Binfaré Edra Sofa from Space Furniture. Trio Floor Lamp by Snelling Studio. Wave Chair by Daniel Boddam. Agra rug in Dutchess by Armadillo.
Y05 Chandelier by Snelling Studio. Land One Standing (2023) by Laura Jones. Flying Dream (2013) by Andrew Hopkins. Vintage Oak Dining Table.
The addition of a lightwell suspends the living and dining room between landscapes.
The original rooms at the front of the home have been retained and restored. Dot 01 Pendant by Lambert & Fils. Wilfred Sofa by Jardan. Agra rug in Burnt Umber by Armadillo.
Warm tones feature throughout the interiors.
The study. Bookshelves display the family’s personality. Ringo ‘Boa’ curtains by Zepel.
Desk crafted from Furniture Linoleum. Nemo Lampe De Marseille Mini from Cult. Elysium (1993) by Emily Harrison.
The bathroom.
Inside the upstairs bedroom. Caramel Linen Bedcover by In Bed.
The ensuite bathroom features terracotta tiles. Tiberio Stone from Artedomus.
Rogerseller Ciotola Oval Benchmount Basin. Robert Watson Roseless Door Handle.
Dioscuri Wall Light by Artemide.
The home’s upper level is designed as an elevated, private oasis for the homeowners.
Original fireplaces have been integrated into the new interiors.
The classic facade doesn’t give much away about what lies inside.
Studio Prineas’ ethos is all about ‘thinking more and building less’. Especially when it comes to renovating heritage homes.
This sensitive approach is exactly why the owners of this Federation residence approached the Sydney-based architects for a comprehensive renovation a few years ago.
The family of five bought the house after outgrowing their previous home, located on the same tree-lined street in Artarmon.
‘The client sought a contemporary extension that would embrace the site’s sprawling gardens, while sitting quietly in the streetscape,’ Studio Prineas principal Eva-Marie Prineas says.
‘In addition, the family’s three children, ranging from primary school to university age, required the design to thoughtfully accommodate five people at very different life stages under the one roof.’
After restoring the front of the house and removing the series of ‘incongruous’ additions at the rear, Studio Prineas created a new light-filled extension designed deliberately around a towering Jacaranda tree in the backyard.
By following the block’s natural slope and the steep pitch of the existing federation-era roof, the voluminous living spaces are neatly hidden behind the traditional facade — preserving the home’s heritage appeal. Even the soaring ceiling and the main bedroom wing on the upper level are completely undetectable from the street.
‘My favourite part of the project is the element of surprise as you move from the original home to the new addition,’ Eva-Marie says.
‘The landscape and interior become one space through considered openings and skylights, making it a light-filled and joyful place to live.’
The interiors also strike the right balance between classic and contemporary, anchored by sophisticated fireplaces, honed concrete flooring, and colour-blocked spaces inspired by soft ‘botanical’ hues.
In the kitchen, the striking blush and burgundy veined marble is framed like a jewel against a warm backdrop of tallowwood veneer cabinetry. Meanwhile, the original garage was converted into a playful teenager’s retreat, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom next to the terracotta-coloured poolside refuge.
The owners say Alpha House now feels warm and inviting — somewhere they will ‘thrive’ as their family moves through life’s milestones together.