An ambition to celebrate the romanticism of boathouses and optimize a beautiful setting on Sydney’s Middle Harbour underpinned our approach to the design of the Northbridge Boatshed. The small 7m x 4m two level structure is located at the bottom of a steep (70m) long garden to a 1930’s art deco house. The enduring appeal of the sunny sheltered spot was evidenced in the rock carving an d19 century graffiti in the adjacent rock platform.
The building accommodates a dry dock for small craft with a multi-purpose space above surrounded by timber shutters that pivot up and out of the way. Use of local hardwoods and ingenious timber jointing are a feature of the structure and sandstone quarried from the site expresses the lower level of the structure. A generous copper shingle roof protects the body of the building.
The upper level is equipped with a fridge and sink but is otherwise open plan. The space can seat 10-12 for dinner and a large number on the floor in sleeping bags for the overnight stay.
The building, beautifully detailed in the style of a clinker boat, won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Boral Timber award and has featured in the beautifully Illustrated Book “Boathouses” by Adam Mornement which surveys historical and contemporary landmark boatsheds and boathouses of the world.
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