While the original house featured beautiful proportions and a striking facade, the rear of the home had been compromised by a 1990s renovation, a low lean-to roof, diminishing ceiling heights, and an outdoor entertaining area that had been fully covered in.

The result was a home starved of natural light and disconnected from its generous rear garden, a rare asset in Woollahra and a missed opportunity for modern living.

Architectue & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Modify Homes: The owners approached us wanting to breathe new life into their grand semi-detached Victorian terrace. While the original house featured beautiful proportions and a striking facade, the rear of the home had been compromised by a 1990s renovation — a low lean-to roof, diminishing ceiling heights, and an outdoor entertaining area that had been fully covered in.

The result was a home starved of natural light and disconnected from its generous rear garden — a rare asset in Woollahra and a missed opportunity for modern living.

The brief was to open the home back up to the landscape, create effortless indoor–outdoor connections for entertaining, and introduce a wellness focus with a plunge pool and sauna. With their adult children now moved out, the clients were ready to create a contemporary, refined home that could be enjoyed year-round.

The upstairs layout also needed to evolve to better suit their new stage of life. The middle bedroom was envisioned as a future master ensuite and walk-in robe, while the rear bedroom was to be reconfigured with its own ensuite, elevating comfort and functionality across the upper level.

Today, the terrace has been restored to its former glory — now sitting proudly in the street once again, with a renewed sense of space, light, and purpose.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

This project brought its fair share of technical challenges, particularly around the intricate brickwork that defined both the modern extension and the courtyard. The fireplace chimney incorporated a series of corbel brick details and the rear living area, each requiring precise setout, thoughtful coordination, and careful craftsmanship.

Complicating matters further, many of the bricks were different sizes and had to be laid on a diagonal, adding another layer of complexity during construction.

Drainage and setout in the rear courtyard also required a considered approach. Instead of using pavers, full bricks were laid on edge so the courtyard floor could seamlessly match the chimney brickwork. This decision ensured a cohesive material expression but demanded significant time, accuracy, and patience from the team.

None of these challenges were impossible — they simply required patience, careful planning, and clear communication between the design and construction teams, suppliers, and trades.

The brick detailing was slow and highly technical — by working closely together at every stage, we were able to ensure the courtyard drainage and setout were correct. but ultimately, The collaborative approach by the Modify design and build team meant that even the most intricate details were executed exactly as intended. The result is a beautifully executed extension and courtyard that showcases the craft and intent behind every detail.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

Our first instinct was clear: remove the outdated rear roof to reclaim ceiling height, natural light, and a stronger connection to the garden. This created the foundation for a more generous, breathable home. The new rear extension was then deliberately separated from the original terrace by a glazed link — a combination of skylight and angular window — offering framed glimpses into the side garden and making the most of the unusually large side setback.

To further improve airflow and livability, a small section of the existing footprint was carved out at ground level, introducing cross ventilation through the kitchen, living area, and back into the main building.
An awkward powder room tucked beneath the stairs was relocated to the centre of the plan, allowing for a far more comfortable and private guest experience on the ground floor.

Upstairs, we refined the layout to better suit empty-nest living. The middle bedroom was transformed into a master ensuite and walk-in robe, while the rear bedroom was reconfigured to include its own ensuite, bringing functionality and luxury to both spaces.

A playful wellness room was added as a standalone element off the rear garage studio — complete with an infrared sauna and shower housed within a sculptural two-storey semi-circular turret. A full-height cavity sliding door opens the space to the garden, creating a tranquil retreat that still feels connected to the landscape.

The plunge pool was designed as a deep, tear-drop-shaped feature, softened by planting on both sides so it integrates seamlessly into the maturing garden rather than dominating it. A steel fence, rather than glass, was chosen to blend into the surrounding greenery.

A natural change in level between the studio and the house allowed for a sunken outdoor living room and entertaining zone. A continuous brick banquette wraps the space, echoing the brickwork used throughout the courtyard and offering a comfortable, landscaped edge to the outdoor room.

Tile, flooring, lighting, fixtures selections and material choices throughout gave us an opportunity to introduce subtle design features that further tie together the old and new.

The result is a modern, light-filled home that reconnects beautifully with its rare garden setting — a thoughtful response to both the brief and the character of this Victorian terrace.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

Some of the standout features of this renovation are the chimney, the sunken rear outdoor living room, and the brick turret that houses the wellness room.

The chimney is a true centerpiece, with intricate brick detailing paired with floor-to-ceiling Australian-made steel doors, creating a striking focal point while enhancing the sense of space.

The rear sunken outdoor living room is another highlight — a generous, curved seating area that flows seamlessly from the house, taking full advantage of indoor–outdoor living. The integrated landscaping, including a continuous brick banquette, transforms the space into a private courtyard and an additional “room” for gathering, entertaining, or quiet relaxation.

The brick turret for the wellness room introduces sculptural curves that echo the design of the garage façade, adding a playful yet elegant architectural touch. Across the project, we used Bowral 76 Simmental Silver bricks, ensuring consistency and craftsmanship in every corner of the home.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

The Ocean House renovation embodies Modifys core design philosophy: creating functional, considered spaces that prioritise natural light, ventilation, and strong connections to the landscape. Every room is designed to feel both practical and elevated, with thoughtful details and unexpected touches that bring warmth, sophistication, and delight.

This project sits comfortably within the broader Modify portfolio as an example of how we balance heritage character with contemporary living, ensuring each home is both timeless and tailored to the way our clients live today.

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