From the architect:

The project involved an existing two storied Federation house, that had been renovated and added to in the 80s or 90s. The owners have a large family and wanted to add a third floor to the house to provide an additional bedroom and a rumpus room for the children and their friends.  

McMahons Point Federation House

The zoning allowed a building height limit of 12m, which allowed for a reasonable generous addition. Council controls required wide setbacks from either side boundary, resulting in the visual impact of the addition barely visible from both street frontages.

McMahons Point Federation House

The colour palate for the new structure was a darker version of the existing building colour with dark door and window frames to recede the addition visually.

The views from the rumpus room makes the space feel like a treehouse, with glimpses through trees to Lavender Bay, Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge.