Fostering a connection between people and the planet spurred the thoughtful, award-winning redesign of this heritage villa.

Words by Stephanie Ockenden // Photography by Christopher Morrison

How this home balances its contemporary lines and inviting materiality with its urban surrounds is why it stands out on its quiet suburban street. Dubbed ‘House in the City’ by leading firm James Allen Architect, the property won the SA Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) award at the 2024 National Architecture Awards for good reason.

“Our aim was to create a sanctuary that balances modern comfort with a sense of history,” says principal architect, James Allen. The home was originally purchased by James’ parents when it was in a state of neglect, with an overgrown garden and cracked walls. The brief was to design a home for a retiring couple leaving the countryside – abundant light, a connection to the garden and space for pastimes chief among their requirements.

Harnessing the time-old essence of the villa, the renovation defined the relationship between the old and new sections of the home while breathing new life into its heritage features. The ambitious project added a pavilion at the rear, which included an open-plan living area and a fully-equipped kitchen. As a result, an internal courtyard formed between the classic and contemporary halves of this redeveloped home, adding what the National Architecture Awards described as a ‘contemplative threshold’.

The extension, constructed by local boutique builders Build Theory, complements the original structure. Bagged masonry and a Dutch-gabble roof mirror the aesthetic of the existing villa; expansive floor-to-ceiling bi-fold glass doors facilitate a connection between the living space and the landscaped garden curated by David Burnett. “Natural light now flows in the back of the house,” James explains. “The new additions are warm and welcoming, replacing the old lean-to at the rear, which was dark and pokey.”

Today, the rear half is the heart of the home. “We wanted to create a fluid layout that encourages connection,” James says. While the calm colour palette and inclination towards natural materials invite a sense of calm into the new communal hub, this house has the ability to entertain in spades. You can easily imagine long afternoons with family in the spacious living area.

Quality was also at the forefront of the redesign. A natural quartzite island benchtop, installed as a single slab, is the centrepiece of the open-plan kitchen. James shares the material was selected as an evocative reminder of his parents’ much-loved country roots, further unifying every aspect of their lives. Further, depth to the light and airy space arrives from the installation of high-quality timber cabinetry, which also elevates the kitchen’s functionality.

However, these thoughtful design choices extend beyond aesthetics
– sustainability is a key focus. “The design capitalises on the orientation of the block and backyard, maximising north-facing glazing with good passive solar proportions,” James says.

But what sets this home apart is its ability to foster connection – whether it’s between loved ones, pastimes or nature. The result? A city sanctuary that strikes a perfect balance between the classic and contemporary for generations of family to enjoy.