Location:

Merewether, NSW

Expertise:

New Build, Full Architectural Services

Awards:

2019 – AIA Newcastle Architecture Awards – Commendation – Twenty One Flowerdale (Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Photographer:

Edge Photography

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The design of this house was a direct response to the challenging site, a close analysis of surrounding built forms and the acknowledgement of the beautiful leafy surrounds. The topography of the site, and the northern aspect played an important role in determining the overall structure of the house. The result is a robust home that is cut into the cliff face maximising the buildable footprint by stacking the program vertically and capitalising on the tranquil views.

Designing for a site that was earthed within its surrounds was a primary consideration from the outset and formed a large part of the brief. The client (also the builder) knew they had a unique and challenging site and came to us with a clear vision in mind that would allow for a beautiful building such as this to be created.

The home now sits proudly and almost perfectly amongst its native context as if having stood there for decades, embracing the landscape rather than trying to command it. Connectivity and flexibility were equally important elements of the brief in order to accommodate the owner’s lifestyle.

The seamless transition between internal and external spaces forms another important aspect of this house and furthermore the utilisation of landscaping on all levels helps to further integrate the building into the site. Roof gardens were designed to help provide increased thermal insulation to the dwelling and provide a positive contribution to the natural environment.

On a project as complex as this, collaboration with the client, builder and subconsultants was critical throughout all stages. Working closely with MADE Architectural Constructions & Northrop Consulting Engineers was prudent to the building’s success.

This home creates a unique approach to an otherwise unusable site. By recessing the home into the cliff face it has provided the client with a beautiful home that is robust, meticulously detailed and integrated into the existing landscape. The flexibility that has been achieved by stacking the internal program vertically has meant that different spaces can be utilised in different ways year-round.