HARBOUR VIEWS

This project was an amazing opportunity for an architect. But the constraints were many - an existing dilapidated house, which wasn’t originally able to be demolished, a steep site, down a bank and below the road, and a special character heritage zone. All contrasted with an incredible view, fantastic sun, wonderful clients, a clever engineer and excellent builders.

As always with the design I set out to walk the fine line between old and new, which I love so much. The house primarily aims to sit quietly in the neighbourhood of elegant villas so that at first glance you might not notice it, but when you do, it is clearly something a little bit different.

Over three levels the house steps down the hill, and includes a double garage, two large living rooms, four bedrooms, decks on each level, a feature steel stair and a terraced garden. And like its neighbours the house has a lovely high stud.

Both inside and out, there is plenty of detail to keep your eye busy. On the outside the folded zinc roof and side (fire,) walls give a beautiful softness to the house’s appearance while contrasting nicely with traditional rusticated weatherboards. On the inside features include steel, bronze, a modern take on panelling, dark stained timber and generous skirting boards and architraves.

It was a tricky, and complicated build- the structure is one half concrete block and one half steel, and from start to finish, it took 8 years, but I like to think it was worth it!