NEVER TOO SMALL Architect’s Converted Miners House Sydney - 60sqm/645sqft

This episode is brought to you by our book, Never Too Small: Reimaging Small Space Living. Available now at our store www.nevertoosmall.com/store
Once narrow and dark, this 1930’s workers cottage was reimagined by Dean Williams of Architect George, maintaining its heritage charm and expanding the home from a tiny 30sqm to 60sqm with the addition of a second storey. This addition allowed the removal of the lower levels internal walls, expanding the kitchen and dining space, and connecting the living area to the updated courtyard; incorporating glass double doors to connect the interior and exterior of the home. The lower level was also extended into an awkward corner of the courtyard to create an additional bathroom, featuring a curved mosaic wall and skylight; this also includes a unique rooftop garden accessible from the relocated main bedroom on the second level. The rear of the home was opened up to views of the nearby laneway and community garden. The redesign converted a livable but enclosed home into an open, airy space that will continue to be a unique part of the streetscape long into the future.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: House in Newtown
Designer: www.architect-george.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator: Colin Chee
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Please Send Rain & When Skies Meet Shores by We Dream of Eden

[@sabmenier1966]

This is my new favorite small house. The building obviously had a weird shape but they used every inch of it in a smart and beautiful way. So clean, airy, cozy, green with tons of sunlight

[@ryan_jonathan]

Me too Sab I agree with you!!!!

[@twntsvn]

I agree, this is truly beautiful

[@fitlad76]

Indeed! It is cleverly done, within its own restraints.

[@cocoandtheworld33]

Absolutely agree. I love how the made use of all the space. Especially the downstairs bathroom looks awesome. But also 60sqm is not that small. I lived in a 60sqm flat and it was quite spacious tbh.

[@valarya]

same! It's wonderful 😍

[@rutroh9647]

Love the curved shower and the light that comes in from above.

[@theyouth2000]

I know right. Really lovely.

[@gus473]

Let's not forget its fantastic floor....! 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Agree. It is a lovely design.

[@nicholeayt509]

This is one of the first small homes I could actually see having a little family in. That guest room could easily be a kid's room and the courtyard gives a place to play.

[@keelyjobe1200]

Dean designed our home and we could not be happier. He is a genius and so fun to work with.

[@alannakellam9607]

I love this design! I do want to point out that yet again I hear the architects mentioning how there is a small step in the living spaces which “delineates the separate areas”… I have noticed this over and over in NTS features and I wish people would acknowledge that this also makes the space less accessible. Small space designs have such potential to serve disabled people because often our budgets are much lower than the general population - I’d love to see more examples of small spaces being designed with disabled populations in mind.

[@elsa_g]

@@alannakellam9607 I have also had this thought before. There are many things that are design features which I really enjoy that occur a lot in small space design (such as loft beds, steep staircases, multiple levels, narrow walkways, the shape of the bathrooms, etc.) which I think it's important to note the accessibility tradeoffs when considering adding them to a design. I'm not sure where NTS would talk about this, though, given the extremely brief format of their videos and their focus on using just the designer's words explaining why they designed the space the way they did.

[@lizsays3324]

I'm just clumsy. As soon as I saw that single step that blended in with the floor, I thought, oh yeah, tripping hazard. Especially since you will be carrying food and laundry back and forth there.

[@Nyx773]

@@alannakellam9607 The raised dining area is probably to accommodate the plumbing from moving the bathroom. It's a common need amongst homes on this channel.

[@gianfranco_maldetto_92]

R u related to his partner, Alexander Jobe? If so, what an objective input, indeed!

[@stuckin513]

This is by far the my favorite home that has been featured on NTS. The way the space is designed to be connected to the outdoors is brilliant. I wish it was a bigger theme in this kind of work.

[@ryan_jonathan]

same hereeeee!

[@aj7058]

I wonder how much it benefits from how closed-off the houses around it are.

[@valarya]

same! it's so wonderful 🥰

[@mark2102]

Yeah, me too. I've been wanting to see designs with more than one bedroom.

[@patriciasalem3606]

@@aj7058 I was thinking that too. For as small and as close to the neighbors as it is, it feels much more private than one would think.

[@laurabaldacchino5744]

Just the right size of small. It is so amazing how much they managed to fit in without making the space feel crammed. Love it so much. And the connection to outdoors completes it. I'd happily live there.

[@TeeBoyd88]

Well said. I agree with all your words, especially, "Just the right size of small." 👌

[@thesavvysinglemum]

This is one of the best small houses yet. The connection to the outside and greenery is so beautiful and important. One of my favourite features is the original stained glass panels in the balcony railing. So much thoughtful storage too. What an amazing place.

[@joshuafuglsang]

My house is literally down the street from this one. It’s a single level terrace. I’d love to do a renovation like this one day. Maybe some day soon I’ll come and knock on your door! My place is also full of angles. Builders hate it, but I think it’s great.

[@MNeathway]

Seems like a great neighbourhood 🤗

[@joshuafuglsang]

@@MNeathway Thanks! Yeah it’s a nice area. Ticks a lot of boxes

[@ellenhernandez3902]

Lucky you! I used to live in Newtown. Now I have Newtown Envy.x

[@Eggtsy]

Like others have said, this is probably my favourite home. Creative layout, colours, integration with plant life, strong use of space and storage, etc. But I think my favourite part of it is the "lived in" feeling I don't usually see in other tiny homes. This project truly feels like it combines tiny home architecture with long term living

[@leroy4186]

I really like this home. Cosy, functional, ample natural light despite the size. And the backyard garden is awesome!

[@hamstjul14]

WOW, this was so cleverly designed, it has so many interesting little elements like the door opening onto the green roof, the skylight over the shower, and even the coloured glass between the railings. I bet the dog loves living there! Definitely one of my favourite designs featured on this channel.

[@romita9majumdar]

It's a very complicated layout but definitely looks functional. Also good to see that the house has a lot of storage space and actual stuff. Sometimes, small houses tend to look impractical simply because we can't see storage or basic stuff like cutlery and grocery. They simply look like impractical doll houses. This one looks beautiful and functional.

[@colinakarla]

This is a fantastic home. I love the layout, the trees and the color palette. Most importantly, I love when people reclaim and transform spaces that have been there for almost a century. Great job! I can't wait to create/renovate my own small space one day.

[@posiesblessings]

This house is delightful, I’d move in tomorrow. So good to see how there are really no compromises - great light, great functionality, beautiful.

[@jesmiscellaneous8938]

the greatest no compromise of all was how they kept the front facade too! Yet managed to fully optimize the interior & available space

[@Moontess]

I love how he brought so much light into this space! These row houses usually feel really dark and cramped because of the shared walls and lack of windows, so that light well is much needed even if it seems like it takes up space.

[@brsczr1703]

Absolutely fantastic !

[@Milvea10]

He is not only an artist in architecture, but also with words. I have a feeling that nobody can describe a small shower better than him. "It wraps around you like a warm hug." ❤

[@nym5qu17]

that is one of the most beautiful showers I have ever seen

[@shnuggumz]

Might just be my favorite episode yet. The design is incredibly well informed, and like the architect stated “nothing is given up” by living small. He’s the one I’d love to hire for myself.

[@roelvandenberg5283]

I've been a NTS fan for years now, but I think this one might just be my favourite, together with the Sydney art studio apartment wth the golden pod in the middle :).

[@cindyancheta9472]

I am watching this again.. and will watch this again and again and again

[@alejandroreviriego8037]

Amazing how they were able to improve the existing space without changing the front look of the house. Love it! I think its top 3 of all the ones that have been on the chanel!! 👏🏼

[@Naitorokkusu]

This looks so comfy. Great use of the oddly-shaped layout. You can really tell that they've worked with it instead of against it. The shower with the sky light and greenery on top is probably my favorite part of this.

[@shiralleehaggart72]

This is the best small home I have seen on this channel. The whole place is cozy and particularly the downstairs shower room and the design of the shower is amazing. The garden is lovely with all the plants and greenery and sheltered. You also have a gorgeous dog as well.

[@ignaciogs6500]

I have so much to learn from them. This is by far one of my favorite spaces featured on this channel. The shower in the first floor has to be one of the most clever ways to use the space I have ever seen! Hopefuly I'll have a house as beautiful as that one someday. Sending lots lof love.

[@Kotchilla]

The house is very lovely but I'm in love with the dog. So cute.

[@krisbennett3032]

I totally adore this home. It's beautiful. I'd be so happy living in it. I really appreciated the owner talking about the importance of the connection to the community, and his comment about the size. The kitchen was inspirational, so much good functionality and storeage in the small space. I'm downsizing because I don't need my big house anymore...this home reinforces in me the importance of the heart, this home made my heart sing. Good thoughtful design, community responding and light responding. Quality design in a small space..and not really a minimalistic style. Oh that my new home will be this wonderful to live in. Thankyoufor this video..

[@Petra-P]

This is the best small home I have ever seen. The use of space is incredible but at the same time it does not make you feel like you are in a Lego set or that you have to do 25 different movements to get to the storage spaces. Just incredible, amazing work! ♥

[@LeilaLamb]

Beautiful, tasteful and practical. This apartment is just lovely.

[@StephBer1]

This renovation shows that you can have it all in a small space. It's enough room for all their needs and the kitchen is so well designed. I've always thought I couldn't downsize because I need a big kitchen but this kitchen provides everything including the bench space and light that I love.

[@FiamahFernandez]

I don't know how to say that this channel videos make me SO calm, it feel like meditation for me. Thank you guys!

[@hannaschrader1224]

This home made me realise how much I like those neighbourhoods built in one piece decade's ago. Actually I grew up in such neighbourhood myself in a semi-detached house in northern Germany. To this day I love to see how the houses in our street have been individualised. Sometimes I felt overcome by the disadvantages of the house (easily crammed, very narrow staircases, noise from the neighbours) but since I moved in completely again at the beginning of the pandemic I truly understand that nothing feels more like home than this house. I refurnished my (

[@ericfeng8246]

Love the first floor shower, the skylight and the shape gives me so much warmth just by looking at it.

[@xingcat]

That first floor bathroom is gorgeous. Using the limited space to make interesting shapes...I love it.

[@roycecovington2154]

Beautifully designed for a minimal, cozy yet warm feel.

[@ernestogonzalesvillar5721]

It's great! My shed has been completed and it turned out nice looking and sturdy and it is way better than the sheds that many of my neighbors had put up. Of course, I'm pleased with the outcome and this Ryan's kzbin.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 Plans was extremely useful to me as a guide.

[@tigrePrankster]

I saw the notification and I came running lol

[@phrogggperson]

Lmao samee

[@Bessunger]

Beautiful project, using the existing structure modifying it with sustainable solutions, excellent concept and usage of the limited space. Wish we had more projects like this in the future!

[@elephantintheroom5678]

He's a very talented man. I love the subtle airiness of the place, and how they've retained the outdoor space.

[@JoannaGryzewska]

I love this house! Everything is in a great harmony, super airly and very functional. My jaw dropped when they showed the fridge, such a brilliant idea! Would live there without hesitation!

[@parshaupt6672]

I absolutly adore the openness of the space and the contrast between white and green. Well done!

[@taishshaw9044]

By far the best space I’ve seen on Never Too Small, such a lovely, cozy, well thought out home.

[@Phoca_Vitulina]

I love all the access to greenery and sunlight! Ahh the dog was so cute too!

[@eararadith07]

Love this! The odd angles of the house are actually charming, and I think it's because of the well-thought out placements of natural light and choice of greenery. Going into one of my top 5 Never Too Small videos (:

[@oleung330]

There is something very satisfying about the tiling choice in the bathrooms...

[@Beauty_In_Simplicity]

Yup, I'd totally live here. No need for wasted space! Beautiful, cozy and unique. Love the fireplace and couch. I could just curl up there and read a book with a glass of whisky and be very happy. Excellent use of storage space, and functional layout overall with nice touches. Superb work!

[@claire7322]

This is one of my favorite homes now. Absolutely beautiful, and you can tell they thought through everything to the last detail. Really clever and brilliant. Also, I really need to pet that dog!

[@lucindabutler1100]

I really love this small house. I wish more 'older' properties would be used and changed in this way instead of building these so called modern, featureless properties here in the UK. Love this channel, thanks for sharing guy's. x

[@farihareza6464]

I love the tiny green roof - feels a little whimsical in reality.

[@missstella9828]

I love that this video finally have a floor plan, it also is clear on describing the features and materials. Compared to other video designers empty words, this is refreshing

[@thisiscuvo]

This is one of the few small home that"ve seen on this channel that's actually really livable, at least for me. Everything small but usable, great color scheme, awesome use of every inch of the 35m2 house.

[@nicolestewart]

I absolutely love your house. The history and the way you have preserved the property and added onto it. That curved shower is gorgeous 😍

[@davidmitchell1391]

When he opened the green door of the garden shed, I thought we were going to be shown the "dunny". Joking aside, an absolutely gorgeous house. Well done to all involved.

[@ceciliadekapotzin]

The best house! Little garden, huge fridge, tv, cosy, beautiful spaces, wonderful bedrooms, the curved shower... I love eveything!

[@hx0ad5]

that under-the-stairs fridge & pantry unit is gorgeous! i don't think i'd heard the term "light well" before this, and i'm certainly very enamoured with that one by the dining area. this whole home seems light & airy without straying into that overly bright clinical feeling i see too often

[@bradjobe3972]

They've done an amazing job to honour the original whilst adding so many beautiful new features. Having watched and experienced the transformation the thing I love most is that it has the warmth of feeling like a real home.🥰

[@irenchenb.c.5800]

Ein wunderschönes Zuhause, ich bewundere Menschen mit Visionen, ich brauche immer so lange bis ich etwas vor meinen Augen sehe, deshalb bin ich begeistert von Menschen die sich so etwas vorstellen können…..viel Freude in ihrem Heim 😊

[@Mrsteffmolo]

Smart, comfy, elegant , lovely, I cannot find other adjectives to describe this beautiful small house.

[@luciapacheco6145]

Wow, this is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Everything was done right. The best thing is that it's perfect for a family of a couple + one child to live in without compromises. I'd love to see more family homes like this one on this channel.

[@sashastarshanti3599]

Absolutely beautiful! I love everything they did to make this space a tranquil sanctuary in their cool town.

[@LK-252]

Lovely...living in this house is no doubt a completely different experience to what it was before. Transformed from the slum dwelling for impoverished workers it once was. So many of the Sydney terraces and workers' cottages are a nightmare to live in. Depressing and uncomfortable in the Sydney climate. But you can see the breeze making its way through this home... the green spaces cooling things down, the louvre windows allowing you to control air flow. Plus there is a sense of calm and order but with places to put the stuff of life.

[@sophien5416]

This was so sensibly done and every inch of this home was considered. Bravo!

[@mathilde23]

This house is stunning ! I love it so much, the way it's connected to the outdoors and how it doesn't feel cramped despite not being that big of a house.

[@JMNYC5]

...Clever and resourceful use of space and materials, the vertical format makes it so much larger than it actually is, and the non-uniform use of windows makes for surprising daylight and sunlight effects...😀

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

This home is SO amazing.Everything about it is perfect(especially the cute dog). I can't get over the huge amount of storage there is.This lovely couple must do some serious entertaining in that space.

[@MsCheesemonster13]

My new favourite home on this channel. It is stunning, and if I lived in this place I would not change a thing.

[@bbb88ism]

Great job on this house! So far the best one I’ve seen on this show. They even managed to squeeze in an extra room.. I mean, c’mon 😍

[@cndcpwll]

Wow! As a Newtown-er myself, this is SO wonderful to see. Amazing use of what we have, accomodating the now.

[@mrsrazzer]

Oh wow. So many things to love about this one. Such a seemingly awkward space but it’s so beautiful and livable now. The principles of incorporating as much light and connection to the outside tie the space together as much as the design elements do. Outstanding!

[@Britbabe53]

What a cosy vibe this home gives, I just love it.

[@nycollegegrad]

Love this small house, really cozy!!! One of my favorites in this channel.

Absolutely gorgeous home. Use of space, modern but modest design, lighting. When I look at it, I feel, I could live there. It proofs that great living is possible in small spaces... Congratulations.

[@yydor729]

It’s so beautifully done. Every corner have been well used. The small skylight at the ground floor bathroom is so well designed, and make it super elegant & cozy (I think I would become a morning shower person if I live in this house). The greens outside of the window are calming & just pleasant to look at. Thank you for showing us what’s possible.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Wow, wow, wow... I love everything about this home. To think that you could fit 2BR's and 2BA's in 645sf and have it feel spacious, light and airy is incomprehensible. Goes to show that what most of us lack is imagination. So smart to have all of those windows, not only for light but to create cross ventilation. The garden was also a little oasis. There is nothing that I would change about this home. And the neighborhood looks idyllic. I would hire this man to help me design any home that I bought. So well done.

[@2flush1]

I love how they optimize the limited space without making it too crowded, all the essentials are fulfilled and my most favorite part was it can fit a whole greenery, too! Such brilliant idea!

[@irenefoo2475]

有些人相信 风水 楼梯下面 放食物 好像不适合 放鞋还可以 Love the white colour design

[@lavenderwitch3502]

What a gorgeous and cleverly designed small home! This is exactly what I want in my future home. This is by far my favorite home featured on Never Too Small. Well done!

[@katbar6066]

This has to be one of the best thought out and greatest use of space all wrapped up beautifully. I just love it! So lucky to have the courtyard garden in the middle of Sydney. The finishes are superb and nothing seems to have been overlooked so they have a beautifully crafted home.

[@rainbowl4745]

The design is so simple, practical yet tasteful. I can tell the house is well lived and loved. Love how they added green space and windows to brighten up the interior and let air in. Definitely my new favorite!❤️🌹

[@SweetManaT]

This is a really nice one. Love the additions and bathrooms!

[@chrisbean]

I fell in love with your house on the spot. The second floor of the house and the courtyard are my favorite !! Congratulations on your creativity 👏!

[@kimito7521]

I feel a sense of calm, cosiness, cleanliness of design, and greenery in this house. Amazing!

[@Hongaars1969]

Hi guys I lived in Annandale and then Petersham between 2008 and 2020 so know Newtown well You have totally transformed the space into comfortable, modern, light living space. I now live in Dubrovnik and last year built a 35 sq m studio for myself and recognise how less is best, yet can amply meet all my living space requirements. Thanks for sharing your home. Wishing you many happy years ahead. (Love the puppy as well) Cheers Zoltán

[@takotakotakotakotako]

First time I see a fridge under staircase... interesting. Definitely a quirky house for the space. That curved shower is also pretty unique.

[@PaulaMVera]

everything about this video, the house, the narration, everything is so perfect. left me speechless. this videos showcases the difference between remodeling/building a house, and creating a home. this is truly a home, and one of the most beautiful i've seen. so lovely

[@jessiejessie661]

when the ground floor bathroom is being shown... oh my... it blows my mind! ❤

[@iamsunnysideup7115]

I love how airy this small home looks! You can almost smell it and it smells like fresh washed linen! Fantastic use of every inch of the space. Love it!

[@DavorZyx]

Wow, I never could imagine you can fit so much into 60sqm, impressive, this is one of my favourites from your channel!

[@peacay]

Fabulous place, congratulations! I'm not too far away. I love how the street-view pics were done while the place was being renovated, heh.

[@annsmith7207]

Brilliant! Wishing you many years of joy in your home. How lovely and Monty is such a handsome young man! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@beachbag8]

The angles are the characters of this home. My favorite so far.

[@KasSommers]

Love this. My grandma lived in one of those tiny cottages in Newtown as I was growing up. I've often wondered what it looks like now.

[@RichieRouge206]

This is possibly my favourite tiny home yet on your channel! He has done wonders and made the place look huge yet light and airy, all the time preserving the architecture and feel of the original front. I absolutely hate how old properties are just flattened to make way for obnoxious, poorly made modern crap. Fantastic home and tour!

[@juddsmith7007]

"Nothing has to be given up to live in a smaller home - we just need to readjust our thinking of what a comfortable contemporary home is" ✨✊

[@carloxarevalo]

This HAS to be one my favorites so far, the fact that it was reimagined to be functional and full of light for me is just perfect.

[@TamaraJoy7]

Clever! I love everything! This design makeover is a triumphant and brilliant renovation, with beautiful interior design choices that really compliment the home. Well done!

[@lerrieparas1250]

Love what they've done with the space, it's smart, functional, and absolutely beautiful.

[@susanbishop7350]

This is by far the most creative and tasteful small space renovation that I’ve ever seen. Kudos to the designer.

[@Tonderkowa]

It is just purely amazing how well-organised this house is! Just brilliant in its simplicity!

[@annie2687]

I love the integration of the outdoors, and a big fan of the lightwell too. I'm wondering if moving forward we could get estimates of the renovation costs?

[@JJ-ze6vb]

All these “small living spaces“ are actually quite big. The videos here usually feature just two people living in 45 to 65 square meter spaces. So not small at all.

[@pauz6864]

Wow I really love the way they wants to integrate the nature and natural light on their house, the shapes also organic on some atmospheres, provides a cozy house, it is awesome how the adapted all the old house on a beautiful space