Behind the Build at Marrickville
A home reimagined, a story retold—with care, clarity and purpose.
Every home has a story. At TASS, we don’t just design spaces—we help shape chapters of people’s lives. For our Marrickville clients, this project was about far more than square meterage or resale value. It was about staying rooted in a community they loved while building a future that could grow with them.
From the first conversation, it was clear this wasn’t just about renovating. It was about renewal—with intent, clarity, and deep respect for what already existed.
A Forever Home With a Future Focus
The original brief was driven by a simple yet powerful idea: create a home that could adapt. With young children and a long-term view, our clients wanted spaces that could evolve as their needs changed—without sacrificing warmth, flow or architectural integrity.
Marrickville’s charm was already there. Our job was to create a home that honoured the setting, retained the bones, and reimagined the way the spaces functioned day-to-day.
“They had fallen in love with the area, and this home was their way of saying, ‘we’re here to stay.’ Our role was to help make that promise real.”
— TASS Design Team
Reworking the Old, Honouring the Original
Like many older homes, the existing structure had seen multiple renovations over the decades—some thoughtful, some not. The result was a disjointed layout, with spaces that didn’t connect intuitively. A key turning point was the relocation of the staircase, which immediately improved spatial flow and clarified the division between public and private zones.
Thanks to our integrated architectural design + build approach, these big-picture ideas were explored early—backed by practical insights from our builder and structural team. What could have been a costly, complicated fix became a streamlined solution with clarity from day one.
“Having architecture, estimation, and construction all working together meant no surprises—just a clear, unified plan from the outset.”
— Allie | Marrickville Owner
Materials With Meaning—and Longevity
The original home offered one clear gift: a solid concrete and masonry structure. While many might have chosen to hide or cover it, we chose to elevate it. The existing slab was restored and retained in high-traffic areas, providing a tactile link to the home’s past while grounding it in durability and warmth.
Other finishes were selected with a similar philosophy—timeless, honest, and low-maintenance. Internal ceiling pods, designed in close collaboration with trades, added architectural rhythm while neatly concealing services and structural junctions. The result is layered, elegant, and refreshingly unfussy.
“We’re not interested in trend-chasing. We care about how a home feels—now and in 20 years.”
— TASS Design Team
Designing for Light, Connection and Movement
As with all TASS projects, orientation and spatial logic formed the foundation of the design. Living zones were placed to maximise natural light, while openings were carefully calibrated to frame outlooks and encourage connection to outdoor areas.
The home’s internal rhythm was another area of focus—how the family would move through their day, and how transitions between zones could feel both functional and calming. The integration of subtle thresholds, soft material shifts, and consistent detailing allows each space to flow seamlessly while maintaining its own identity.
Explore other projects designed with flow and functionality in mind, like Bondi Junction or Gymea Bay.
What Marrickville Represents
For our studio, this project was about more than design outcomes. It was about listening deeply, navigating complexity with care, and creating a home that mirrors the values of those who live within.
“The client trusted our process—and the result is a home that balances practicality, emotion, and longevity. It’s everything we stand for.”
— Matt Stortz | TASS Architect
From early design thinking to on-site problem solving, Marrickville is a reflection of our integrated model in action—where vision and execution meet in lockstep, and no detail is left behind.
Thinking about your own long-term home?
At TASS, we design with care and build with purpose. Our process ensures your home isn’t just functional, but meaningful—designed for today, tomorrow, and the life you’re still growing into.
Let’s create a home with story, strength, and soul. Start a conversation with our team here.