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At this Federation cottage in Sydney, spreading out helped bring people together.

Sydney couple Katrina and Ian Holmes had just made the decision to renovate when they chanced upon an article about architect Daniel Boddam. His designs suited their ideal aesthetic and, as it happened, there was a more personal connection at play .“Daniel and I were friends at school but had since lost touch,” says Katrina. “We were able to have a good catch-up as well as work on a great project together,” adds Daniel. Top priority was removing the 1990s rear extension and replacing it with something more sympathetic to the original Federation cottage. Ian and Katrina were also keen to create more living space for themselves and their children Edward, eight, and Annabelle, seven.

While the new addition was important, Katrina and Ian were in love with the charm of the old house and had concerns that extending upwards would compromise its structure and character. An extra storey might have looked overbearing from the street too. Happily, the 1214-squaremetre site enabled another alternative: expanding on a single level. “Daniel came up with a modern take on

Hamptons architecture, which was perfect for our117-y earold house ,” Katrina says. Based on classical design principles, the extension features the lightness and aesthetically pleasing symmetry and repetition that is typical of Hamptons style. “It was really an exercise in good manners,” says Daniel. “Our design creates the space the family needed without overwhelming the site.”

At the front of the home, the layout was slightly revised to better suit the family’s lifestyle. To the left of the entrance, three separate rooms were combined to create a generous main bedroom, walk-through wardrobe and ensuite. Across the hall, a bedroom with bay window was converted into a study and a new guestroom with ensuite created from what was part of the living area. Between them is the formal living room, which was retained in place and refreshed with new furnishings. “In the early days of Covid lockdown, the formal living room became a place of retreat for Ian and Katrina, a space in which they could unwind and enjoy some separation after homeschooling Edward and Annabelle,” says Daniel.

“OUR DESIGN CREATES THE SPACE THE FAMILY NEEDED WITHOUT DOMINATING.” Daniel Boddam, architect

The end of the hall is the point where heritage meets modern. Immediately to the left are the children’s bedroomsandsharedensuite;thiszonecanbepartitioned off from the rest of the house simply by closing a sliding door. From here, a vast living/dining area opens up like a flower in bloom. The kitchen is tucked into one corner and a family room in another; the whole space offers expansive views over the backyard. “The area is arranged so no one ever feels isolated,” says Daniel. “Katrina and Ian can be cooking in the kitchen yet still feel connected to what’s going on around them. It’s specifically sited in front of the pool so they can have eyes on the kids at all times,” says Daniel.

There’s plenty more that’s family-friendly here. The garage opens directly into a mudroom and laundry, where the kids can kick off their shoes, drop bags and throw towels or sports gear straight into the washing machine. Having three living areas to spread out into is great now, but this feature will really come into its own as Edward and Annabelle become young adults. Katrina took charge of the furnishing throughout, purchasing some new pieces and including some treasured family heirlooms.

The extension is designed as three A-frame pavilions, which is probably best appreciated from the backyard. “The design is loosely based on a club house, where a structure meets recreational space that is close to nature,” says Daniel. The rear entertaining area is designed to the full width of the garden, so there’s room for sit-down social gatherings to happily coexist with a game of cricket. “There’s no natural focus or surrounding views, it’s just a large-scale suburban backyard, so we created a focal point by installing an outdoor fireplace,” says Daniel. “They can come home, light a fire and sit outside – decompress before their nightly family rituals. I think it’s actually Ian and Katrina’s favourite space.”

Daniel Boddam, Sydney, NSW; (02) 9660 1144 or danielboddam.com. 3Corp, Neutral Bay, NSW; (02) 9904 1999 or 3corp.com.au.

FORMAL LIVING This page and opposite bottom Heirloom sofas covered in Jane Churchill fabrics from Domus Textiles. Malibu coffee table and side table, both Daniel Boddam. Pendant light, Magins Lighting. Drum stool, Orient House. Rug, International Floorcoverings. Painting by IIdiko Kovacs. Bowl by Donna Greene, Utopia Art Sydney. ENTRY HALL Original stained glass. Pendant light, Magins Lighting. Artwork by Jennifer Riddle.

DINING/FAMILY Artworks by Aaron Kinnane (left) and Todd Hunter. Dining table, Miguel Meirelles Antiques. No.18 dining chairs, Thonet. Sofas, MCM House. The sideboard and floor lamps are family heirlooms.

KITCHEN Above and opposite Artwork by Jun Chen. Bifold doors, Cool Change Doors and Windows. No.18 barstools, Thonet. Pendant lights, Magins Lighting. Steeped ceramic bowl by Brett Stone, Utopia Art Sydney. HDR vessel by Humble Matter, Curatorial+Co. Glassware, Space. Calacatta marble benchtop. Tapware, The English Tapware Company. Joinery by Nu Space. Splashback tiles, Tiles By Kate. FAMILY ROOM Below left Antique blanket box (used as a coffee table). Strek floor lamp, Great Dane. Artwork by Kathryn Ryan. Ceramics by Katherine Watson. Rug, Cadrys. POWDER ROOM Wallpaper, Schumacher. Basin and tapware, all The English Tapware Company. Wall lights, Magins Lighting. MAIN BEDROOM Bedhead, Camargue. Vintage lamp and bedside table. Bedcover and throw, Society Linen. Plaid cushion, Studio Cavit. Marc Jacobs vase. The artwork, clock and antique bottles are all family pieces. Natural Velvet carpet by Prestige Carpets. > “THE LAYOUT IS ARRANGED SO NO ONE EVER FEELS ISOLATED.” Daniel