Ian Moore Architects has taken a 19th-century pub in Sydney and transformed it into a stunning home, a project that is both a testament to architectural ingenuity and a celebration of the city's rich history. The result, The Corner House, is a contemporary residence that seamlessly blends the old and the new, while respecting the heritage of the site. This is a story of how a once-neglected building has been given new life, and how a sensitive approach to architecture can create something truly special.
What makes this project particularly fascinating is the delicate balance between preservation and innovation. The building, originally constructed in 1869 as The Moore Park Hotel, had a long history of use, from a grocery store to a corner store. However, its structural integrity was in question, with the walls leaning outward by up to 300 millimetres. The challenge for Ian Moore Architects was to stabilise the building while respecting its heritage and creating a modern living space.
One of the key challenges was the brickwork, which was in a delicate condition. The architects had to repair the brick shell while ensuring the building's stability. They achieved this by using a steel portal frame, which not only supported the brickwork but also served as the structure for the extension. This solution allowed them to maintain the original building's integrity while adding a contemporary touch.
The extension, clad in translucent glass bricks, is a striking feature. It is set back slightly from the street, allowing the heritage structure to remain front and centre. This design choice creates a dramatic sight at night, with the glass bricks forming a wall of light. The use of glass bricks is a clever nod to the building's past, while also providing a modern, light-filled interior.
Internally, The Corner House is a study in contrasts. The living areas and garage are on the ground level, while the bedrooms and family room are on the first floor. The primary bedroom and terrace are at the top level. The interior has an industrial aesthetic, with clean white walls, glass elements, and exposed steel structural features. However, the flooring draws from the home's antique facade, using oak boards and terrazzo tiles, creating a sense of continuity with the building's past.
The architects also paid close attention to the building's access to light. They cut an internal landscaped courtyard through the original section of the building, flooding the interior with natural light. This structural change not only improved the lighting but also allowed for steady air flow through the home. The house relies on natural cross ventilation and ceiling fans, rather than air conditioning, which is a refreshing approach in the southern hemisphere.
The Corner House is a prime example of how adaptive reuse can create something truly special. By converting a heritage building into a modern home, the architects have not only preserved the building's history but also created a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The project is a testament to the power of architecture to transform and inspire, and it is a reminder that the past and the present can coexist harmoniously.
In my opinion, this project is a shining example of how architecture can be both innovative and respectful of its surroundings. The use of glass bricks, the preservation of the original brickwork, and the careful integration of the extension are all elements that contribute to the building's unique character. It is a project that I find incredibly inspiring, and it raises a deeper question about the role of architecture in preserving our cultural heritage while also pushing the boundaries of design.
