Alpha House by Studio Prineas
Designed by Studio Prineas, Alpha House in Sydney’s lower north shore is a transformation of a Federation cottage into a warm and welcoming family home encouraging connection.
Words HANDE RENSHAW Photos ANSON SMART Architecture & Interior Design STUDIO PRINEAS Styling CLARE DELMAR Build SHEETH Landscape Design CUSTOM CREATIONS LANDSCAPES
“Creating a consolidated aesthetic [has allowed] garden views to resonate as vivid and ever-changing artworks.”
Cleverly designed around the site's existing gardens and spectacular Jacaranda tree, Alpha House by Studio Prineas reimagines a Federation cottage on Sydney’s lower north shore, creating a welcoming family home that fosters a sense of connection.
When the owners of Alpha House outgrew their previous home, they were keen to stay within the same suburb they had grown to love, so they purchased a larger home on the very same tree-lined street, large enough to accomodate their family of five.
Taken by the studio’s mindful approach to heritage renovations, the homeowners called on Studio Prineas for the redesign of the exisiting Federation home.
Importantly, the family's three children, who span from primary school to university ages, needed the design ‘to carefully cater to five people at different stages of life living under one roof,’ shares Eva-Marie Prineas, Studio Prineas principal.
From the tree-lined street, the house still looks much the same as it always has—a Federation-style cottage with a steep pitched terracotta tile roof. Set on a block with a natural slope, coupled with the pitch of the existing roof, means the new addition is discreetly hidden behind the home’s traditional facade, blending seamlessly into the streetscape.
Once you step through the front door, the mindful redesign by Studio Prineas comes into play. For the redesign, the owners wanted a modern extension that would merge with the expansive gardens—creating an open, light-filled, modern living space at the back of the house.
The new addition closely connects with the garden. Eva-Marie explains that connecting with the established Jacaranda tree was key to the design and serves as the focal point of the lounge room. Large pivot doors, clerestory windows, and skylights frame the tree, ‘which blooms with purple flowers in the late spring time and creates an incredible colour-scape for the whole house,’ says Eva-Marie.
A light well in the living and dining areas allows sunlight to illuminate the space, while operable doors enhance natural light and open up to a deck designed for outdoor living. The light bathes the spaces, further highlighting the earthy, botanical textures within, such as the soft blush tones of the barbecue alcove and the rich burgundy tones in the kitchen.
There’s no denying that the standout hero design feature in the main living space is the kitchen, which reflects the surrounding natural palette—featuring honeyed Tallowwood veneer cabinets paired with burgundy and blush coloured Tiberio natural stone.
The pink tones of the stone complement the natural hues of the original fireplace hearths, a design choice that Studio Prineas has carried throughout the house. ‘This creates a consolidated aesthetic that allows garden views to resonate as vivid and ever-changing artworks,’ says Eva-Marie.
Alpha House is a thoughtful reimagining of a humble Federation cottage, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family—a bright and inviting sanctuary that encourages togetherness.
The bathroom design is equally focused on form and function.
“[The Jacaranda tree] blooms with purple flowers in the late springtime and creates an incredible colour-scape for the whole house.”
Aru House has a strong connection to its environment.
Spotted gum sliding screens open up the living space in the warmer months.
