Dover Heights House

This now stunning house was originally a cottage, built beside a green space on the cliff edge in Sydney’s East, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incredible backdrop, however the owners were aware that this also exposed the house to the elements of nature. On mother nature’s harshest days, the house needed to rebuff wind, rain and the windswept ocean. Having lived in the original property for 5 years, the owners had a clear vision of exactly what they wanted from their new home and were able to present their local knowledge to their chosen architect to incorporate into the design of their new home. Together, the architect, owners and To The Mil have created a house constructed of concrete and brick to withstand the elements for generations to come. The harsh edges of these materials, together with the buildings brute strength, have been softened by adding curved glass to the outer corners, texture with fibrocement, and clever curves in the external walls. Internally, white polished concrete floors to the ground level softly brighten up all rooms, and add to the endurance and strength of the external building. Round and sculptured skylights mimic the hand-built stairs and balustrade which leads you lyrically up to the second floor and bedroom area. Colourful joinery and tiling to the bedrooms and bathrooms add a playful feel to the home. Although a complicated build, impacted by the COVID pandemic and a rainy year in Sydney, the finished masterpiece is a credit to all involved. This lucky family will be enjoying this showstopping house for many years.