Paying homage to the past while paving the way for sustainability on the site of the old Softwood Mill, Truss House fuses cutting-edge design with a robust palette of materials to deliver a contemporary home grounded to its site through the innovative use of reclaimed and salvaged treasures. Facing north and bathed in sunshine, the two-storey home features a double-height courtyard at its heart that brings in the light and airy and wrapped in an enigmatic series of indoor and outdoor spaces ensconced in original break walls. Entry level is devoted to living and entertaining with two separate pavilions while a Corten steel staircase leads to three large bedrooms, one with an ensuite and the main with a dressing room. A triumph of design, shortlisted in the NSW Architecture Awards and Inner West Council Awards (Sustainable Buildings), the freestanding home is just up from Ann Cashman Reserve, a 450m walk to Balmain Town Hall and Soul Agenda Pilates and just one set of lights to the city.