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Balmain Houses by Benn + Penna, Australia

Architecture / 6 Jan 2014

Creating a family home of their own in the Balmain suburb of Sydney, architect Andrew Benn and interior-designer Alice Penna of Benn + Penna reimagined two interconnected semi-detached, Victorian-era workman's cottages. Photography: Tom Ferguson

Many of these cottages cascade down the hills of this once-working-class, harbour-side peninsula. Photography: Katherine Lu

Over the years the two houses had become 'divorced' from each other with different materials used. So timber was chosen as the consistent material palette, which sits comfortably alongside the historic fabric of heritage Balmain. Photography: Katherine Lu

Benn + Penna's idea was to create two houses that were part of a whole, yet separate family homes for Andrew and his wife, and Andrew's mother and her partner. Photography: Katherine Lu

The dilapidated dwellings burdened with crude additions, once dark and introverted, now swell with light and life. Photography: Katherine Lu

Though the design is lively, striking and geometric, it is also adaptable, offering shade from the sun, direct harbour views, and privacy from neighbours. Photography: Tom Ferguson

Inside, the use of timber and geometrics continue to play to the different characters and needs of the families. Photography: Katherine Lu

One house has a contemporary aesthetic, with references to Scandinavian design using birch plywood joinery and lime-washed timber floors. Photography: Katherine Lu

...the other uses a warmer palette of finishes with a focus on natural materials such as slate and recycled Australian timbers. Photography: Tom Ferguson

The aim was to create light, open-plan houses that were more 'semi-attached' than 'semi-detached', reassembled for family living. Photography: Tom Ferguson

Built-in storage and furniture increase the sense of space in both houses. Photography: Tom Ferguson

Though constantly connected, the houses offer occasional moments alone. Photography: Tom Ferguson

The cottages take advantage of all the available light. Photography: Katherine Lu

Each detail has been carefully considered, down to the hidden plumbing below a kitchen island. Photography: Tom Ferguson

The pair of dwellings create an intimate universe for the two families to grow together. Photography: Tom Ferguson

The minimalist interiors emphasise a diversion from materialism and a focus on family. Photography: Tom Ferguson

There is flow and interconnectedness between the two houses: for example, the stone wall that divides them has in-built peep holes; and you can slink through a gap at the end. Photography: Katherine Lu

This is self-described 'textured modernism'- homes that are clearly contemporary but with a layering and grain that speak to the historic area of Balmain. Photography: Tom Ferguson

Balmain Houses by Benn + Penna, Australia

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