white Shaker profile joinery Ensconced in a leafy enclave of Bronte, section of the house, which comprises a central in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, this stately hallway flanked by a formal living/dining room home is a typical – and incredibly well- on one side and two bedrooms on the other, preserved – example of Australian Victorian- works were primarily of a restorative nature. era architecture. The hearths around the marble fireplaces were From the cast-iron picket fence and tessellated repaired, timber flooring re-sanded and polished, front pathway, to the lacework-edged bullnose and any problematic plasterwork was fixed – all in veranda and deep bay window, little of the home’s preparation for its cosmetic makeover. exterior has changed since it was constructed circa The newer section – built around thirty years ago, 1892. Aden estimates – required more heavy lifting. ‘It The interiors, however, have recently undergone was all like a rabbit warren, with hallways leading a dramatic transformation under the capable into different poky rooms; it was just confusing.’ direction of Troy and Aden Moxon, owners of The kitchen – a tired laminate-and-granite affair Troy and Aden Moxon, owners of Moxon Bros Moxon Bros Architectural Builders. These HIA – was too closed-off, and the flow of the largest Architectural Builders members are both passionate about the high-level space, the living room, was interrupted by two craftsmanship and detail involved with heritage awkwardly large, floor-to-ceiling support posts. home restorations. ‘Troy and I are obsessed with architecture and The third-generation builders thrive fine detail,’ Aden says. ‘We love working to achieve on challenging, intricate projects that high-end finish.’ The third-generation builders (Moxon Bros was founded in the 1960s by their grandfather Albert ‘We had to get an engineer in and put in steel and great-uncle Ted) thrive on challenging, intricate beams to support the roof and ceiling loads, projects, and their versatility and meticulous enabling us to remove the internal walls, open it approach has led to fruitful collaborations with up and turn it into a house you can actually enjoy,’ several architects. This project came to them via Aden says. Denby Dowling Interiors, who they’ve partnered Post-renovation, the new section includes a with on various projects over the past decade. study, the master suite, bathroom, a breakfast ‘The home’s owners were after open-plan living. nook and concealed laundry, as well as a bright They have kids and they like to entertain, so they and airy kitchen/living/dining space framed by wanted to open it all up and bring the outdoors in,’ floor-to-ceiling glazing that opens onto the alfresco Aden says. He adds that prior to the renovation, area. the house read as two distinct sections: the front The new galley-style kitchen is finished in a half original – still charming, but run-down; with an combination of white Shaker profile joinery, glass- unsympathetic, outmoded living room extension fronted cabinets, and white stone benchtops. to the rear. Their task: to create a seamless flow, A heritage-inspired feature pendant hangs from the leadlight entryway right through to the over the island and the whole space is framed, ‘TROY AND I ARE landscaped back yard. rather dramatically, by a full-height splashback OBSESSED WITH Incredibly for a house of its age, there were no of glossy heritage-green subway tiles. It’s at ARCHITECTURE AND structural issues to deal with, and in the original once contemporary and classic; the bold colour FINE DETAIL’ NOVEMBER 2018 HOUSING 53 INTERIORS • INTERIOR PROFILE