A modest and sensitive renovation of a Sydney terrace building has received a commendation from the 2014 Sustainability Awards judges in the Single Dwelling (Alterations & Additions) category.

Light Cannon House by carterwilliamson architects presents a model for the sustainable re-use of Sydney’s terrace building stock and was commended ahead of six other projects in the category.

The Single Dwelling (Alterations & Additions) category was won by Colour House by Ande Bunbury Architects, which like Light Cannon House, was an exemplar of sustainable readaptation.

“Rather than seeing the provision of solar access to the neighbour in a tight urban site as a problem, this project shows how inspiration can be found in the clever resolution of such a dilemma,” said the judges about Light Cannon House.

“With hardly any space to play with, the architects have incorporated small courtyards and playful skylights to create truly delightful, light filled spaces for the occupants to enjoy. A great recipe for making the most of our inner city suburbs.”

Light Cannon house is just big enough to sleep a small family, but flexible enough to entertain an army. The living spaces are tall and full of light and joy, opening to embrace the tiny, rear courtyard and quiet, moss garden that give the home a sense of space despite the tightly constrained site.

Photography by Katherine Lu

Click here for to see all the winners and commendations for 2014        

All the finalists can be viewed in the video below: