The challenge of the project was to bring a modest and simply constructed "Sydney School" home into the 21st century, while maintaining its well considered place on its steeply sloping site among the trees.

The main issues related to:

- Addressing the problems of a divided living room that does not connect easily to the external deck or terrace

- The very low floor to ceiling height of the lower floor with external access only that did not enable it to be used easily for habitable rooms

- The entry sequence was difficult and made the steep approach feel more difficult than it was

The key to the design lay in finding the right approach to the main kitchen/dining/living room.

After some consideration, we found that by raising the floor level and adapting the pitch of the roof of the living room we were able to find an elegant resolution to the main issues. Importantly, we were able to create an open plan kitchen/dining/living room (unobstructed by fireplaces and other walls) that could easily open to an improved deck facing north with views, and the south facing sheltered courtyard

A stylishly simple approach to the materials, detailing and joinery was then adopted, enabling respect of the spectacular outlook and an enduring and sustainable finish.