Sustainable Architecture and Space-Savvy Design Transform This Small Aussie Home

The idea of turning a dark terrace home in the suburbs of a bustling Aussie city into a modern home fit for its contemporary owners is nothing revolutionary in itself. But with the Imprint House in Alexandria, you have the added constraint of limited space, which makes the task ever harder. To get around these impositions, Anderson Architecture turned to sustainable architectural practices and space-savvy design ideas; a combination that has completely altered the aging and dreary old residence. With a new, second-story rear extension, space was enhanced and improved while the lower level floor plan was changed to give the interior a more vibrant appeal.

New-rear-second-level-extension-adds-space-to-the-small-house — New rear second level extension adds space to the small house

Space-savvy-design-and-smart-storage-units-transform-the-interior-of-this-relatively-small-Aussie-home-217x155

Revamped-home-in-inner-suburbs-of-Sydney-with-a-rear-extension-217x155

With the new floor plan, the living area with kitchen and dining now sits at the rear and opens up to the small backyard. Space underneath the stairway has been turned into storage area and a tiny reading nook with a view of the world outside. Move above and you have the bedrooms on the second floor that feel spacious and well-lit. Taller ceiling on the lower level along with better ventilation also altered the mood of the interior considerably with planet-friendly additions making a big impact. Smart, stylish and eco-sensitive, this is a home that makes most of its limited resources. [Photography: Nick Bowers Photography]

Tiny-reading-and-sitting-nook-under-the-stairway — Tiny reading and sitting nook under the stairway

Bright and light-filled bathroom in white with wooden medicine cabinet

Gorgeous-green-backsplash-for-the-kitchen-in-white-and-wood — Gorgeous green backsplash for the kitchen in white and wood

Increase-in-height-and-smart-shelving-alter-the-interior-of-the-house — Increase in height and smart shelving alter the interior of the house

Making-use-of-the-space-under-the-staircase-in-more-ways-than-one — Making use of the space under the staircase in more ways than one

Overhang-created-by-the-rear-second-level-additions-provides-shade-to-the-tiny-backyard — Overhang created by the rear second-level additions provides shade to the tiny backyard

To make the home more comfortable in winter, we installed environmentally friendly hydronic heating through the new parts of the house and hydronic radiators to the old parts, fuelled by energy and cost efficient electric heat pumps. Provision for future solar panels was incorporated into the design of the roof, and a 2000L rainwater tank supplements the household’s water demands.