A
sawriterI’minterestedinwords:theirmeanings,usageand
origins. When I toured 102 The Mill with Shaun Carter of
Carter Williamson Architects, the word “building” was used
frequently as both a noun and a verb, “building” referring to
aphysicalstructureandtheconstructionofsomethingbyputting
partsormaterialtogether.Thisisbecause102TheMillisaformer
timberfactorythatCarterWilliamsonhastransformedintoafour-
storey house. Its original structure and construction techniques are
visible, contributing to its new residential form.
The project is part of a redevelopment of an industrial site in
Balmain,Sydney,inwhichasawmill,cottageandfactorynow
accommodate four residences. The long, rectangular factory building
hasbeendividedintotwohomes:102TheMill,atthefront,isa
430-square-metre house with generous and comfortable spaces,
multiple outdoor areas and character derived from its existing
structure and materials.
Thehouseisorganizedlogically:theeasternwalladjoinsafactory,
thewesternedgeopenstoagardenandthenorthernfacadeengages
with the street. “This was an exercise in organizing the spaces to get
lightintothebuilding,”Shaunexplains.Insection,thecirculation
zonewithastaircaseandvoidisarrangedalongtheeasternsideof
thehouse,withthelivingandbedroomspacesconfiguredtothe
western side, to receive light and ventilation. The open-plan kitchen,
living and dining area is on the entry (middle) level, bedrooms are02
02 Themainstairwellsits
alongsideavoidthat
filters light through to
the house’s lowest level.
03 Exposed ceilings reveal
the original construction
of the upper levels’
timber flooring.