Stable House by Sibling Architecture
Stable House by Sibling Architecture was originally a 1800s stable, which has been renovated into a contemporary home connected to lush bushland, history and family.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Katherine Lu
Sibling Architecture's director, Qianyi Lim and her sister are converting a 1800s cottage and brick stables into two homes, separated by a communal garden, over a decade-long period. Photo: Katherine Lu
The cottage at the front of the property will be renovated and extended over the next five years. Photo: Katherine Lu
Home to Sibling Architecture's director, Qianyi Lim, who lives at the property with her partner and baby, and her sister, Stable House is a conversion of a 1800s cottage and brick stables into two family homes.
The first phase of the project, which is the renovation of the first home, was completed in five years - the second house is yet to be completed. Located at the site’s rear, the completed contemporary home incorporates salvaged items from the former stables, takes inspiration from South-East Asia, and is sympathetic to the family’s future needs.
When Qianyi and her sister, Xinyi, bought the property, the site contained a Georgian-style cottage (circa 1880), next to dilapidated brick stables (circa 1885). Both spaces included heritage elements that needed to be retained - the first of many design challenges.
The location of the site also presented another challenge, with numerous overlooking terraces to the west and bushland regeneration zone to the west. Qianyi and Xinyi’s focused on creating two unique properties, where their families can enjoy for years to come.
The first home, located at the back of the property, has been finished. Sibling Architecture took inspiration from South-East Asian homes known for their lush greenery on the front, while designing the house. Qianyi relocated from Melbourne to Sydney four years ago, keen to incorporate a similar design idea by using a trellis on the front of the house. The trellis screen encompassing the structure serves both as a shading mechanism and as an extension of the nearby bush reserve.
The application of papaya-coloured ceramic tiles also draws inspiration from Asian homes and seamlessly complements the integrated heritage stable brickwork. Spotted gum ply is extensively used in the interiors, creating a contrast against the white ceilings, while the double-height tiled blue walls surround an internal courtyard, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the interior.
An integral part of the project has been the creation of a garden linking the two homes. Both residences gently slope down towards the central garden, fostering a connection between the properties and the nearby bush reserve.
The second and final part of the project is the cottage, which will be extended and renovated in the next five years. The richness and unique qualities of the site will further evolve as the cottage renovation continues.
Spotted gum plywood extends throughout, proving ample space for storage. Photo: Katherine Lu
Double-height blue tiled walls enclose an internal courtyard. Photo: Katherine Lu
The existing brickwork wraps around the perimeters of the building. Photo: Katherine Lu
The existing brickwork is a feature in the bathroom. Photo: Katherine Lu
A trellis screen wraps around the building and provides a structure for foliage to grow through. Photo: Katherine Lu
Photo: Katherine Lu
As the native creepers take over, the house will eventually become camouflaged within the bush. Photo: Katherine Lu