By adding a roof terrace, this young family created a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour

By adding a roof terrace, this young family created a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour

By adding a roof terrace, this young family created a panoramic view of Sydney Harbour

An architect transforms a former workshop into a compact, stylish home with spectacular water views.

Ben and Diana Mitchell, pictured here with son Jude and dog Bleu, were keen to retain the character of the building. Jennifer Soo

The home
A two-storey, three-bedroom home in Sydney’s Mosman featuring clever solutions to maximise internal space, crowned by a small rooftop terrace overlooking Middle Harbour.

Who lives here
Architect Ben Mitchell, co-founder of Those Architects, his wife Diana Mitchell, an environmental planner, their son Jude, 2, and dog Bleu.

What we did
“I refashioned the interiors, turning 110 square metres of space into 175 square metres,” says Ben. “I added a master suite and north-facing windows to capture cooling summer breezes and winter sunlight, and redid the courtyard garden.”

Favourite room
“The dining room,” says Ben. “It is where we gather as a family and bond around the dining table.”

The ’hood
“Mosman is close to the city, the harbour, beautiful beaches, abundant bushland, and has a tight-knit community,” says Ben.

Future plans
“There are no further plans; instead, our focus is on rotating and expanding our collection of furniture and art throughout the house,” says Ben.

Best advice
“Engaging an architect helps unlock potential most homeowners may not envision,” says Ben. “Architects can improve light and airflow and introduce clever joinery to maximise space.”

Ben says the dining area, his favourite space, displays “a moody material palette of rich, dark timbers alongside exposed concrete and bronze architectural hardware”.
Ben says the dining area, his favourite space, displays “a moody material palette of rich, dark timbers alongside exposed concrete and bronze architectural hardware”.Jennifer Soo
The kitchen cabinetry features oak veneers and a concrete benchtop. Designed by Those Architects and made by Mark Welch, the dining table is solid walnut.
The kitchen cabinetry features oak veneers and a concrete benchtop. Designed by Those Architects and made by Mark Welch, the dining table is solid walnut.Jennifer Soo
A bathroom tucked under the staircase. “The existing concrete floor was polished and concrete was also used to construct elements such as the bathtub,” says Ben.
A bathroom tucked under the staircase. “The existing concrete floor was polished and concrete was also used to construct elements such as the bathtub,” says Ben.Jennifer Soo
“The new roof terrace adds a whole layer of character and amenity to 
the house, including stunning views of Middle Harbour,” says Ben.
“The new roof terrace adds a whole layer of character and amenity to
the house, including stunning views of Middle Harbour,” says Ben.
Jennifer Soo

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