25
PULLINGER’S DESIGN UTILISES EVERY
POSSIBLE PART OF THE MODEST
ALLOTMENT, NOT SIMPLY FOR
PRIVATE GAIN, BUT PUBLIC BENEFIT
THROUGH A RARE LEVEL OF
STREETSCAPE ENGAGEMENT
AND GENEROSITY.
Peter Hyatt
O
f the terrace houses that abound in Sydney, most are
now weighing in with a real estate value barely short
of gold. Despite the traditional limitations and time-capsule
foibles, terraces given a makeover don’t necessarily
become better by becoming modern.
Matthew Pullinger recalls the fear-factor when
designing this home for his young family. As a Principal at
Hassell, it’s one thing to recommend design strategies to
informed clients, but to set in stone, glass and steel work
for loved ones, applies another pressure.
“I was afraid of being exposed to peers as something of
an imposter” he confesses. Inner-urban Alexandria is highly
sought after with sky-rocketing values. Even so, Pullinger’s
design utilises every possible part of the modest allotment,
not simply for private gain, but public benefit through a rare
level of streetscape engagement and generosity.
Whatever fears he harboured as imposter-in-waiting
were unfounded. Set in a streetscape of handsome
Victorian terraces, this modern take replaces a cramped,
tired box with a light-filled prism, capable of being fully
opened to the street.
Despite its physical constraints, the result is engaging,
often more public than private and courteous enough to
complement, rather than rile the neighbours.