Architecturally realised in low-profile white brickwork and Gosford Buff sandstone, the Portman Terraces are a contemporary version of the Victorian archetype. “We respect the breakup and rhythm of the traditional terraces and how they use balconies for shading glass and imposing privacy as well as providing engagement with the street,” says William Smart, Smart Design Studio director and principal. 

With full aesthetic consideration, the facade offers a sculptural and fluid curve that provides privacy while allowing the sun to pool light into the interior. Indeed, this particular use of bricks to form curves has increasingly become a recognisable signature of Smart’s works such as with Indigo Slam and the designer’s own home. These curves are continued to the rear of the terrace in response to overlooking buildings, while integrated landscaping by Site Image provides a beautiful outlook throughout.

Bringing the light further into the homes are double-height windows on Portman Street and a skylight on each roof. These further allow the light to pool through the staircase and fill the home with warmth. 

The internal palette of texturally rich materiality is made harmonious by the crafted sculpting of the architecture. Oak flooring and large format benchtops are tactile and ready for everyday use. Moreover, this richly textured but tonally neutral palette is designed to display artworks, sculpture and design objects.

Located in the heart of Green Square in Sydney, the terraces have been designed with sustainability in mind. To this end, each one has been designed to the equivalent of a 4-star Green Star Design & As-Built standard, with an aspiration to achieve BASIX + 25.

Solar access, ventilation, durable materials, double glazing, low water fixtures, low water planting, gas boosted solar hot water, connection to precinct non-potable recycled water and photovoltaic energy supply have all been designed into the project.

Related: SJB’s Reservoir Street design in Sydney

With an internal space of some 191 square metres (plus 55 square metres outdoor space across balconies, courtyard and garden), the well-appointed terraces offer four bedrooms and four baths, with one bedroom in each terrace featuring an en suite and walk-in robe. Each terrace also has a lift.

Premising their design philosophy on excellence, innovation and collaboration, Smart Design Studio is an architectural practice based in Sydney whose modernist inspirations take a ‘form-has-function’ rather than ‘form-follows-function’ approach. In any case, their buildings are simply divine.

Smart Design Studio
Smartdesignstudio.com

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