New homes

Complex planning and aboriginal heritage restrictions forced a compact building foot print which demanded the manipulation of volume and light to maximize the perception of space within. A simple palette of steel and timber tones and the concept of a floating steel box allowed us to create interest where the articulation of form was restricted. This home embraces the waterfront views with gusto, where space is manipulated through careful design and where layers of detail give depth and character to stretch the boundaries of possibilities in this location.

The original home on this site was a classic fibro workers cottage from the late 50's – full of retro charm and, unfortunately, asbestos. With no hope of renovation, we set about reimagining what a modern fibro home might entail, with a modest budget and a CDC approval pathway. The result speaks for itself as a new classic for the northern beaches style, full of charm and pragmatism this home maximizes a tight site and a belies its compact scale.

Recently completed this modern contemporary home in Riverview, features "off form" concrete using natural Oregon timber planks as the formwork for the central blade wall and chimney structures. Whilst technically challenging, the featured material provides excellent thermal mass within the home and far from looking like 'cold' concrete, the material possess a 'soft and warm' aesthetic belying its structural and material integrity.

A robust and industrial aesthetic contrasts with the natural surrounds in this idyllic property overlooking Middle Harbour. Consisting of two pavilions rotated on an axis formed by the main entry, this light-filled home responds to an awkward site whilst also meeting the vigorous construction requirements of a Flame-Zone bushfire rating.

This quintessential 1950s-inspired beach house at Manly is designed to complement existing urban architecture and its white palette allows the texture of external materials and shading devices to play with light in a delicate manner. Originally developed from one of Sanctum's pre-designed homes, it has evolved into a spectacular residence that is both playful and succinct in its response to its beachside environment.

This prestige residence is located on the magnificent slopes of Sydney's Balmoral Beach and was designed and built without compromise on detail, and drew it's inspiration from the modernist lines of Neutra and Koenig. Nestled into a steeply sloping site, our aim was to exploit the sweeping vistas over Balmoral Beach whilst creating a secluded retreat for its high profile owners, and maximising the indoor outdoor connections throughout the site.

Inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and located in a stringent Walter Burley Griffin conservation zone at Castlecrag on Sydney's Lower North Shore, this residence responds to the need for a low impact form with broad floating roof planes and an abundance of light and connectivity to views. It won best project at the BDANSW Design Awards in 2007.

This project had all the challenges – a steep site with geotechnical constraints, a heritage listed building on one side and a Harry Seidler house on the other. Not to mention a huge Blue Gum in the middle of the site and a tight budget. We think this one turned out rather nicely.

Located on a compact inner city block in Sydney, this project was conceived from a successful collaboration of design and construction disciplines, and applies fine detailing in exterior and interior treatments to develop layering and interest within this compact site. The material palette, using contrasting elements of recycled timbers, metallic finishes and recessive elements, help express and 'float' the timber and steel boxes over the open living areas.
Acknowledgements: Julie Wood Design, Lifesize Studio, Maximum Design and Construction.