Awards

2003 MBA Best Residence 1.5-2 Million – Said residence

This mediterranean inspired harbour home is designed for a family of five and is located on a prominent and restricted corner block in Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Key to the house’s aesthetic is the layering of deep stone clad walls, columns and openings to the capture the light and views of the nearby harbour, while also giving the occupants privacy and a sense of real enclosure in this exposed location.

It was designed for a family of five with a large extended family, so the brief was large, including four bedrooms, a study, large and interconnected living spaces, pool, spa and extended covered terrace. 

Subtle offsets in the plan and changes in level give a sense of individuality to each space while maintaining as essentially open plan.

The sculptural use of stone and concrete dominate, and the masonry boundary wall and associated planting create a haven from the street. With its use of recycled timbers, careful metal detailing, polished concrete stairs and stone basalt, house has a sense of timelessness and permanent modernity, while satisfying the owners original intent for a Mediterranean style.

The lighting, furnishings, finishes and services were all carefully designed and chosen to reinforce and complement this raw and direct aesthetic. It has a wonderful sense of scale, light and acoustic quality that creates a unique atmosphere.

The house features an indoor-outdoor terrace space which breaks downs the boundary between interior and exterior, and is adaptable to various climatic conditions as they can be opened to, or protected from, the elements. The indoor terrace has an open fireplace and heated bluestone paving.

It is a highly crafted building that deftly combines a strong sense of raw muscularity with a highly tuned sense of materials. This mediterranean inspired harbour home creates an environment that is reassuring, tranquil and visually stimulating.