This was published 1 year ago
The award-winning home built within a horse stable in Sydney’s inner west
Looking to the future while incorporating the past, the design of this Forest Lodge gem is bursting with colour and surrounded by greenery.
By Susan Redman
Sited at the back of a deep block bordered by a small public reserve of regenerated bushland, the house is notable for its angular form.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Who lives here Architect Qianyi Lim, co-director of Sibling Architecture, her partner Ross Paxman, founder of Primary Works, a branding and design studio, and their two-year-old daughter, Linya.
What we did “I designed the house to nestle within the original stable walls, as it was important to honour the heritage of the site,” says Lim. “The brick walls are exposed in different ways throughout the house and give it so much character.”
Favourite room “Definitely the open living/dining/kitchen space,” she says. “We’ve hosted family dinners, birthday celebrations, Chinese New Year and Christmas here.”
The ’hood Forest Lodge is a compact suburb three kilometres west of the CBD. “We are so close to the city, yet nestled within a pocket of bush and only a short walk to the Rozelle Bay foreshore and Harold Park Tramsheds,” says Lim. “It’s perfect.”
Future plans ”We are thinking of putting in a built-in sofa with storage for Linya’s toys,” says Lim. “It would be great to just throw them in there when we want to tidy up.”
Best advice “Using spotted gum timber on the walls and ceilings makes the spaces feel warm, rich and cosy,” says Lim.
Vintage Arrben “Canasta” chairs surround a silky oak tailor’s table. “My father salvaged this from the old Anthony Hordern department store building,” says Lim.Credit: Jennifer Soo
A doorway from the kitchen leads to a family bathroom. Part of the original stable wall is exposed, offering a textural contrast to the glossy tiles.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Shoes off on entry; the polished concrete floors feature underfloor heating. A double-height ceiling with skylight and large windows ensure natural light floods the home.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Qianyi Lim was the lead architect on this project. She is co-director of Sibling Architecture.
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