Alcami Architecture: A Victorian Terrace Reimagined
Tucked away on a quiet street in Chippendale, New South Wales, this unassuming Victorian terrace holds a striking secret behind its modest façade. What was once a compact 60sqm residence has been transformed into a luminous, open-plan sanctuary—an architectural feat that defies its footprint.
Styling credits: 1.kitchen Ceramic bowl via Grandfather’s Axe. Glasses by Studio Dokola via Craft Victoria 2. bottom left,cast bonze Sia Chair by Tom Fereday. Painting by David Serisier from Liverpool Street Gallery. Mano Glass Sculptures & Cove Polished Aluminium Coffee table by Tom Fereday. Dice cup & dice from Georg Jensen. Glass by Joe Colombo, Katavolost T-chair, Chain mail lamp & Magistretti’s Vicario red chair, Med Resin Vase, Ponti Pipes Vase, Guzzini Faro Lamp and Asti Red Ashtray, all via via 506070. Flor Toio Lamp via Euroluce. Stainless Steel sculpture by Christopher Hodges via Utopia Art. Marco Terra Rug via The Rug Establishment.
Designed by Victor Alcami of Alcami Architecture—whom we had the great pleasure of interviewing— Terrace House Mirage is a bold expression of modernism, minimalism, and eclecticism, tailored to reflect his client’s deep appreciation for architecture, contemporary design, and a love of orange. The result? A space that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive, innovative yet deeply personal.
At the heart of this transformation is a philosophy of seamless spatial fluidity. The home’s design cleverly erases traditional boundaries, allowing light, air, and movement to flow effortlessly between interior and exterior realms.
"The primary objective was to create a space that captures the essence of being outdoors while being indoors," Alcami explains. "We achieved this through a thoughtful selection of materials and the strategic use of mirrors to visually extend the space, amplifying a sense of openness."
A striking interior courtyard forms the pulse of the home, its fully retractable design enabling a near-invisible transition between inside and out. Bathed in sunlight and fresh air, the space offers an immersive living experience—one where nature, architecture, and design converge in perfect harmony.
Styling credits: 1. Top left, double column in Chainmail by Annie Paxton Studio 1. Bottom left, round amber bathroom vase via Connie and Vi. Craighill Venn Puzzle via the Hub General Store.
The interiors are a masterclass in contrast—a curated interplay of transparency and solidity, warmth and coolness, colour and restraint.
The kitchen’s sculptural desk, inspired by traditional Spanish outdoor dining areas, sets the tone for the main living space.
Frameless full-height glass and layering of mixed materials reflect and refract light, while pops of vivid orange inject an irresistible energy.
The bathroom is a celebration of playful decadence, its ’70s and ’80s-inspired orange hues lending a sense of nostalgia with a contemporary edge. A transparent basin and freestanding bath transform daily rituals into an extravagant, almost theatrical experience.
Styling credits: 1. Bedroom heavy linen bedcover & rectangle cushion via In Bed Store. Classicon Diana A side table via Anibou. Pelota table lamp via 506070.
On the upper floor, the energy softens, with serene concrete tones enveloping the upper floor in a sense of calm and retreat. The master bedroom, defined by a large window and private balcony, offers a moment of stillness—an urban oasis in the heart of the city. More than an architectural statement, Terrace House Mirage is a sensory and cultural journey, thoughtfully integrating elements of Spanish and Australian design influences.
"This terrace house aims to provide a truly immersive and culturally rich living experience," says Alcami. "It bridges my client’s Spanish heritage with the vibrant Australian surroundings, creating a space that feels both deeply personal and undeniably unique."
With its bold vision, fearless design, and mastery of space, this home stands as a testament to the power of architecture to transform, uplift, and inspire.
Images: courtesy of Alcami Architecture, styling by Clare Delmar. Photography by Dave Wheeler.
alcamiarchitecture.com - click to read our interview with Victor Alcami HERE