By Castlepeake Architects
The site sits at the end of a narrow access lane well below the main street level. The terrain is steep and looks across Woodford Bay to uninterrupted views of the harbour bridge and city skyline. The existing house had a poor sense of entry and lacked efficient horizontal and vertical circulation paths. Its arrangement did not take full advantage of the attributes of the site including access to view and winter sunlight. The alterations address these issues through re-modelling the carport and entry which include the addition of an internal stair and a lift which efficiently access the lower sections of the house. The main living level is elongated to the north and south, cantilevering from the existing masonry base below it so that views to the east are maximised. It is pulled away from the structure to the west to create a sunny and protected courtyard adjacent to the main living space. The alignment of this protected area continues southwards through the house to include stairs and an internal courtyard which provide light deep into the inside of the house. The roofs are landscaped to provide interest from above and a lap pool is elevated above the ground to be level with the bedroom and rumpus areas. In addition to providing the normal amenity of a pool, its form completes the horizontal composition of the house.
Builder FS Hough
Structural Engineer Structure
Landscape Architect
Somewhere Landscape Architects
Photographer Felix Mooneeram
Castlepeake Architects aims to design site-specific houses that improve the lives of our clients.
Well-proportioned spaces and forms that closely relate to the attributes of a site are transformative for the people who inhabit them daily. Our method involves a rigorous and logical analysis of each site and brief, arranging responses efficiently and artfully. Central to our process is a thorough understanding of our clients' requirements.
As a small, design-focused architectural practice based in Sydney, Castlepeake Architects brings years of experience in all types of residential architecture, including new builds, alterations, and heritage houses. Our modest size allows for directorial input on every project from initial design through to completion on site. Our close-knit and passionate team is dedicated to design excellence and client satisfaction, ensuring that each project is a true reflection of its environment and the lives it changes.