Behind the Facade is your backstage pass to the world of architecture and homeownership. In this first instalment, we go beyond the status quo to bring you a candid conversation with architect Jessica Matson about her stunning transformation of a classic Federation home in Marrickville.
Heritage meets innovation at 38 Horton Street, Marrickville, where a charming Federation facade gives way to an architectural revelation. This isn't just a renovation – it's a conversation between eras, brilliantly executed to honour the past while embracing contemporary living.
The warm terracotta frontage, complete with its ornate stained glass doorway and traditional Federation detailing, stands proud on the streetfront. This meticulous preservation was intentional, respecting not just the building's history but the character of the neighbourhood itself. "The primary brief was to respect and enhance the character of the existing dwelling," explains Jessica Matson of Jessica Matson Architecture, a vision realised in every careful restoration detail.
Step through that beautifully preserved front door with its coloured glass panels, and the home's brilliance reveals itself. The transitional hallway, with its pristine white walls and soaring arched doorway, creates a moment of anticipation before the home opens into something entirely unexpected.
The rear extension delivers architectural drama through a pavilion of light, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls create a seamless connection between living spaces and the lush backyard. This isn't merely an addition – it's a thoughtful response to modern family needs wrapped in sophisticated design language. "We also created a transitional double-height space with stairs that brings in light and air, marking the shift from old to new," Matson shares, describing how the design creates an expansive sense of space that contrasts with the more intimate proportions of the original home.
The living, dining and kitchen zone forms the heart of family life, where timber flooring brings warmth to the crisp white walls and black-framed windows. "The family and entertaining rooms at the back, with garden access, an entertainer's kitchen, butler's pantry, and wine fridges, are perfect for gatherings," notes Matson. "The design allows spaces to be completely opened up, creating a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor areas, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining."
Outside, the yard has been transformed into an extension of the living space. The grassy lawn, bordered by landscaped garden beds and trees, creates privacy while maintaining openness. A striking Nico Nicoson mural adds artistic flair to the exterior wall, bringing personality and colour to the garden view, precisely the kind of thoughtful detail that elevates this renovation beyond the ordinary.
The connection to Henson Park, directly beside the property, influenced key design decisions. "The owners wanted a strong connection between living spaces and outdoor areas, including Henson Park, given the property's incredible location," Matson explains. This advantage is brilliantly exploited through the fourth bedroom's window seat that overlooks the park, creating what she describes as "a tranquil oasis amid Marrickville's bustle."
Materials throughout have been selected with precision and quality in mind. "We prioritised creating a family-friendly home, so everything is low-maintenance and hard-wearing – solid timber that doesn't need regular refinishing, neutral tones with warmth and character," says Matson, demonstrating how practicality and aesthetics can work in harmony.
Perhaps what makes 38 Horton Street truly exceptional is the balance it achieves. Matson's approach was "to ensure the new additions complemented and respected the existing structure by making them secondary to the front part of the house, which holds all the traditional character and contributes significantly to the streetscape." The contemporary extension, with its dramatic roofline and expansive glazing visible from the rear, makes a bold architectural statement without overshadowing the historic character at the front.
"I love that we created a home that remains part of the neighbourhood's fabric while offering modern, family-friendly spaces," Matson reflects. Inside, the home flows logically and emotionally from historical to contemporary spaces, creating what she calls "a seamless connection between the classic front hallway and the garden at the back."
This renovation stands as a masterclass in responsive, thoughtful design – honouring history while creating spaces perfectly attuned to contemporary family life. In a suburb known for its character and community, 38 Horton Street now represents the best of both worlds: a home that respects its past while confidently embracing its future.
This is the first instalment of our new series 'Behind The Facade' – your backstage pass to the world of architecture and homeownership. We go beyond the status quo to bring you candid conversations with architects and homeowners, discovering the inspirations, challenges, and personal stories that breathe life into these structures. It's architecture unmasked—raw, authentic, and deeply human.
Watch the full interview with Jessica Matson HERE.