A dilapidated Woollahra heritage townhouse transformed through considered restoration, a cohesive interior palette and a reimagined courtyard garden, celebrating the property's original character while bringing renewed warmth, light and vitality.

Project Overview

Woollahra Townhouse is the transformation of a dilapidated heritage property in Sydney, undertaken by Noble Architecture within the three months preceding its sale. Working within a tight programme and defined budget, the approach was to go beyond simply making good, focusing instead on restoring and enhancing what was already there. The intention was to celebrate the property's innate character rather than strip it away, creating a home that honours its original character while bringing renewed warmth and vitality to its interiors.

Interior Design and Heritage Restoration

Colour was one of the most transformative interventions. Much of the property had been painted in black and dark grey, creating an interior that felt heavy and oppressive despite its northerly aspect. The new palette was derived directly from the heritage porch tiles, with their earthy mineral pigments of terracotta, ochre, muted sage, cream and charcoal. These tones were carried throughout the house, creating a continuous visual language from the entrance through to the living spaces. Soft, warm neutrals were selected to work with the narrow proportions of the terrace, bouncing light deep into middle rooms while bringing original architectural details back into focus.

The project prioritised carefully restoring original heritage details. Existing features were repaired, restored or introduced specifically for each space, including a new ceiling rose, fine Italian timber beading for a bespoke mirror frame and carefully matched replacement heritage porch tiles. The existing kitchen, bathrooms and much of the fixed joinery were retained, allowing original features to be brought back to life rather than unnecessarily replaced.

Styling was equally considered. Furniture, lighting, artwork and decorative objects were individually sourced for their scale, function, material and relationship to the architecture. The intention was to resolve each room as a place to live, rather than simply furnish the property for sale.

Landscape Design

The garden was approached as a permanent extension of the home, creating a cohesive relationship between the architecture, interior palette and outdoor spaces.Designed around the north-facing aspect, the courtyard combines gentle rendered curved walls, custom Corten steel edging and a new banquette to create distinct areas for gathering, dining and relaxation. A restored lion-head wall fountain provides a focal point and the sound of flowing water, while layered planting and integrated solar lighting add privacy and atmosphere.

Original pavers were reclaimed and relaid on a 45-degree diagonal grid, preserving their aged patina and authentic site history. The barbecue niche incorporates Lutyens long-format bricks by Natural Brick Co., containing 45–50% locally sourced hemp and solar-cured rather than kiln-fired. The combination of reclaimed materials, existing heritage masonry and new low-carbon elements creates an established, time-worn character over a relatively short period.

Project Delivery and Credits

Noble Architecture managed the project from concept through to completion, coordinating the works and trades, material sourcing, landscape design and final styling within a demanding three-month programme.

Design and Project Management: Noble Architecture
Landscape Design: Noble Architecture
Photography: Tom Ferguson Photography
Videography: CAPCHA and Martin Siegner
Builder: Simon Manson
Landscape Contractor: Sage Gardens Sydney