Architect-designed ‘Annandale House’

Designed by the award-winning Welsh + Major architects, this 5m-wide masterpiece somehow feels vast, open, and full of light. How? A retractable glass roof, clever zoning, and a flawless blend of old and new. It’s so impressive that it won the 2017 Australian Institute of Architects National Award, proving that small sites can still deliver big design moments.

But beyond looking ridiculously cool, this home is packed with renovation inspiration for anyone working with narrow spaces, heritage homes, or just dreaming of an indoor-outdoor paradise. Let’s break it down—what makes this home so special, and what can you steal for your own renovation?

Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through this one of a kind renovation.

Image via RealEstate.com.au, listing by Bresic Whitney

1. The Power of a Retractable Glass Roof – Bring the Outside In

This house has a lightwell with a retractable glass roof that floods the interiors with natural light and fresh air. Basically, it’s like having a skylight on steroids.

What You Can Take from This:

• If your home feels dark or cramped, look up. Skylights and glass roofs can transform a space by letting in natural light without needing extra windows.
• Retractable glass roofs = ultimate flexibility. Want sunshine? Open it up. Raining? Close it. Instant indoor-outdoor living.
• A central lightwell brings light to unexpected places. If your home is narrow or deep, adding a lightwell or internal courtyard can work wonders.

2. Seamlessly Blending Old & New – The Art of Extension

Instead of bulldozing the past, this home celebrates it—a heritage cottage at the front, and a sleek, modern brick extension at the back.

What You Can Take from This:

• A great extension should feel seamless. This house proves that you don’t have to choose between “classic” or “contemporary”—you can have both with the right materials and flow.
• Use contrasting materials for impact. Here, polished concrete floors meet steel-framed windows and Tasmanian blackwood joinery, creating a home that feels layered, warm, and timeless.
• Heritage homes can go modern—if done right. If you’re renovating a period home, focus on preserving character at the front while making bold, contemporary choices at the back.

Images via RealEstate.com.au, listing by Bresic Whitney

3.The Open-Air Courtyard – Creating Breathing Space

One of the smartest design moves here is the courtyard flanked by warehouse surrounds—a private outdoor space that feels like an extension of the indoors.

What You Can Take from This:

• Courtyards are a game-changer for narrow sites. Even a small one brings in natural light, adds greenery, and creates a breathing space between rooms.
• Think vertically. If space is tight, use climbing plants, tall greenery, or a green wall to create a lush, private outdoor retreat.
• Make it part of the house. By using similar flooring inside and out, this home blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

4. The Kitchen – Function Meets Beauty

This marble kitchen with stacking cavity doors is an entertainer’s dream—stylish, sleek, and effortlessly connected to the rest of the home.

What You Can Take from This:

• Stacking doors = instant flexibility. If you want to hide the kitchen mess or make the space feel more open, doors that disappear into the wall are a genius solution.
• Marble is a forever material. It’s timeless, luxurious, and worth the investment if you want a standout kitchen.
• Clever storage is everything. This home maximizes every inch with custom joinery and hidden compartments—a must for any well-designed kitchen.

5. Sustainable Smart Choices – Green Roofs & Rainwater Tanks

This home isn’t just a design statement—it’s also eco-friendly, with a green aloe roof garden and a rainwater tank.

What You Can Take from This:

• A green roof isn’t just pretty—it’s practical. It reduces heat absorption, provides natural insulation, and improves air quality.
• Rainwater tanks are a smart addition. Whether you use it for gardening, flushing toilets, or even laundry, it’s an easy way to reduce water consumption.
• Sustainability can be stylish. Features like double-glazed windows, passive cooling, and energy-efficient materials make a home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

6. The Private Bedroom Wings – The Ultimate Layout Hack

Unlike many open-plan homes, this one is designed to keep public and private spaces separate—a dream for anyone who loves to entertain but also values their quiet time.

What You Can Take from This:

• If space allows, separate your living and sleeping zones. It makes the home feel more functional, peaceful, and organized.
• A dedicated study/work-from-home space is a must. Whether it’s a built-in desk, a spare bedroom-turned-office, or a quiet nook, having a workspace improves productivity and keeps work separate from home life.
• Sustainability can be stylish. Features like double-glazed windows, passive cooling, and energy-efficient materials make a home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts: What You Should Steal from 203 Nelson Street for Your Own Renovation

Walking through 203 Nelson Street, Annandale, felt like getting a masterclass in smart, contemporary design. If you’re thinking about renovating, extending, or just dreaming about your ideal home, here are the biggest takeaways:

✅ Light is everything. Whether it’s a glass roof, skylights, or a central courtyard, prioritize natural light in your design.
✅ Small sites don’t have to feel small. High ceilings, smart zoning, and open-air spaces create a sense of scale, no matter the footprint.
✅ Heritage meets modern = the best of both worlds. Keep period charm at the front, go bold at the back.
✅ Sustainability is a smart investment. Green roofs, rainwater tanks, and passive design make a home eco-friendly without sacrificing style.
✅ Clever storage is life-changing. Built-ins, hidden compartments, and multi-purpose joinery maximize space and keep clutter at bay.

So, what’s your favorite feature of 203 Nelson Street? Are you obsessed with the retractable roof, the sleek marble kitchen, or the seamless indoor-outdoor flow?

Drop a comment and let me know! Until next time, happy renovating!

Listing Details:

203 Nelson St Annandale NSW 2038

Updated Details

The October 2024 Listing was withdrawn with a Price Guide of $3.5M.
Original Listing with Bresic Whitney in October 2021 can be found here
3BR 2B 1Car
Sold 2021 – $3,590,000