Shaped by its intended program, aspect and orientation, this grand residence was designed to reflect the topography of the site and maximize the iconic views of Sydney Harbour. The house is expressed as a series of horizontal layers in an L-plan form which is in response to panoramic views between the CBD and Manly. This L-shaped plan allows for natural light to reach deep into the interiors, resolves the site’s alignment to the street, and provides a secure sheltered green space adjacent to the pool area. The upper stories of planar white rendered forms respond to Sydney’s strong northern light. Between these cantilevered white planes, thermally efficient full height glazing captures the dramatic harbour views.
The design incorporates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas through the provision of large terraces with full height sliding glass panels that link to generous internal areas. A consistency of materials and inconspicuous detailing was employed to further blur the line of enclosure, and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Bedrooms are located on the top floor in response to the clients desire for expansive views and maximum privacy. The living areas were designed to encourage cross ventilation, drawing in the cooling breezes common to harbour side sites. This incorporation of passive cooling techniques limits reliance on air conditioning during summer, and allows for a more expansive architecture.
There was a conscious decision to contrast precise man-made materials such as steel and glass with natural materials such as the locally hewn sandstone and existing mature vegetation. Rainwater is harvested and reused for the gardens, to top up the swimming pool and to service the laundry. A solar boosted gas fired flow and return hot water system together with a large array of photo voltaic solar panels were installed to reduce energy demand, with smart metering used to monitor energy use.
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Cantilever House
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MHNDU is a Sydney architectural collective dedicated to creating timeless spaces which cater to modern sensibilities. Dedicated to our craft for over twenty-five years, our ethos is unwavering: to cultivate experiential beauty in built form.
All of our projects are a physical testament to our fundamental philosophy of respecting the nuances of the architectural artform, catering to our clients’ needs for a unification of residential liveability and luxuriousness.
MHNDU represents the holistic union of principals Brian Meyerson, Kevin Ng, Liam Hancock and Tanya Awadallah. Together with their talented team, they fuse their experience, dedication to design creativity and strategic architectural visions with the ultimate goal of cultivating a legacy of quality, enduring and sustainable buildings.
MHNDU has established a strong reputation in our industry based on our unique blend of technical excellence, commercial acumen and forward-thinking design sensibility. We have cultivated a timeless portfolio of over a hundred works specialising in developments ranging from bespoke houses and small to medium size multi-residential projects to large scale urban renewal projects within the Eastern Suburbs and Greater Sydney area. Our projects are characterised by their confident, modernist statements tempered with an intimate knowledge of local climate, lifestyle and culture.
At MHNDU we understand that the development approvals process is one of the most challenging and daunting prospects for our clients. We have built our name on our ability to engage and mediate the processes involved between clients, council, neighbours and major stakeholders. We assist our clients’ assessment of their site’s development potential through feasibility and early concept design studies for a wide range of projects. We assess the potential for bonus floor space via voluntary planning agreements, affordable housing schemes and exceptions to the planning controls to increase the yield of our client’s sites.
We are proudly affiliated with interior design studio Lawless & Meyerson, experts in intentionally cultivating interior spaces which complement the architectural concept and elevate their client’s experiential sense of home. Headed by interior designer Jo Lawless, Lawless & Meyerson have collaborated with MHNDU on a range of multi award-winning projects, building on a wealth of experience and style of relaxed sophistication. From high-end bespoke homes to luxury apartments, each collaboration is treated individually and holistically from the inside out: a seamless blend of architectural expression and refined interiors.
Nominated Architect Brian Meyerson. NSW Registration No 4907. VIC Registration No 19861.
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