The Sydney property facing its past in style

It’s one of the hottest looks right now, but Art Deco properties as beautiful as this are in short supply.

The residence at 19-21 Ellsmore Avenue in leafy Killara on Sydney’s north shore sits on a 1,517sqm block surrounded by carefully maintained parterre gardens and generous lawns.

Ideal for larger families, there are five bedrooms on offer, including four on street level and a fifth bedroom that could serve as a guest room or in-law accommodation on the lower floor.

With a generous, light-filled entry foyer and multiple living spaces, this is the perfect home for entertaining, whether it’s a casual get together with family or a more formal event.

The back of the house faces north east, with a formal pool the full length of the northern side of the property. There’s also an outdoor kitchen for alfresco dining.

Those accustomed to working from home will also appreciate the spacious home office with views to the garden.

However, while the floorplan ticks all the boxes in terms of practicalities, it’s the original Art Deco features that really set this property apart. Thoughtfully renovated to combine the best of old and new, the full-brick residence has retained, restored and gently updated features such as the curved lines, leadlight glass, coffered ceilings and marble fireplaces.

A state–of-the-art kitchen, floor-to-ceiling curtains, period architraves and a neutral palette recall the glamour of the period, ideally suited to 21st century living.

Located a stone’s throw from Killara Golf Club and within walking distance of schools, Lindfield Station and Harris Farm market, this is one property to keep on the radar.

Address: 19-21 Ellsmore Avenue, Killara

For sale

Open for inspection: 2pm Saturday, February 18

Agent: Jason Roach – 0448 455 556 The Agency, theagency.com.au

Australia’s housing debate is often dominated by affordability and supply, but a new collaboration between Brickworks and acclaimed architecture firm Kennedy Nolan argues the conversation should also focus on the quality and longevity of the homes being built.

The project, titled Our Next Neighbourhood, examines how suburban housing could evolve in response to shrinking block sizes, rising energy costs, increasing density and changing family structures.

Rather than proposing luxury dream homes, the initiative focuses on what its creators describe as achievable suburban housing models that are more flexible, sustainable, and better suited to modern Australian life.

Brickworks commissioned Kennedy Nolan to investigate what suburban housing might look like if “design, long-term liveability and enduring materials were placed at the centre of the conversation”.

The result is two housing concepts, known as the Street Terrace and Canopy Terrace, which explore higher-density living while maintaining access to green space, natural light and privacy.

The designs incorporate adaptable floorplans that can evolve as family needs change, along with passive design principles intended to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, said the company wanted to broaden the discussion around housing beyond simply increasing supply.

“Much of the housing conversation today is understandably focused on supply and affordability, but there is an equally important discussion to be had about the quality and longevity of the homes we build,” he said.

“We wanted to explore how thoughtful design, combined with durable, resilient materials, could create homes that not only function well today, but continue to support Australian families and communities long into the future.”

Kennedy Nolan said the project was partly inspired by concerns that contemporary housing often struggles to adapt to changing household structures and environmental pressures.

The architects said innovation in suburban housing was “essential” to address changing family groupings, energy use, urban heat island effects and growing disconnection from place.

According to the design team, the concepts draw on lessons from some of Australia’s most influential housing projects while seeking to create neighbourhoods with stronger links to landscape, community and local identity.

Rachel Nolan, founder of Kennedy Nolan, said the practice saw an opportunity to reimagine suburban housing as something “more connected to our climate, our landscape, our communities and our Australian identity”.

The project comes as policymakers, developers and planners continue searching for ways to deliver more housing without sacrificing liveability, neighbourhood character or long-term sustainability.

The Sydney property facing its past in style

This renovation of this estate-style Art Deco property is a masterclass of old meets new

Brickworks has enlisted acclaimed architecture studio Kennedy Nolan to explore how homes could become more adaptable, energy-efficient and connected to community.