This new home is located on top of the ridge overlooking Middle Harbour, with spectacular views over this remarkable waterway to the north, east and west. This is the second home built for this family of five, which is testament to a great working relationship between architect and client. This home was designed for the transition between living with children to co-habiting with adults and required a number of different living areas and ancillary spaces – to provide privacy and separation as well as cater for large gatherings – often at the same time in different areas of the house.
Having designed their former home, there was a clear understanding of how the family functions and many aspects of the previous design were repeated, with some additional bells and whistles added. The material palette is a mixture of concrete, timber and brickwork which blends in with the exposed sandstone boulders and red gums, predominant features of the natural landscape in this area. The sandstone foundations of the original house were re-used as a feature wall for the main stair.
The main living space opens onto a large covered verandah which can be enjoyed all year round for outdoor dining and cooking. The view is framed by the off-form concrete walls and ceilings and the lighting is recessed around the plywood ceiling panels – to keep the spaces uncluttered and allow the view to take center stage.
Circulation is arranged around an internal courtyard which also facilitates natural light and ventilation throughout the ground and first floor. Each of the bedrooms has access to an adjacent outdoor space to ensure maximum light and ventilation as well as connection with the climate and landscape of this beautiful location.