Castlepeake Consulting
Architecture in North Sydney

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This includes the garage structure which is built into the site allowing the landscape to remain over it. The living area at the top level, bedrooms at the mid and rumpus at the lower level all have views to the city framed through their eastern openings. It looks south from all areas through aligned openings, while also opening into protected, sunny outdoor spaces. The project therefore is to remodel the house so that inside spaces relate better to the attributes of the site including water views and the protected smooth area around the existing swimming pool. This includes the central courtyard space which runs north south over two levels, splitting the building parts and allowing light and ventilation to the main areas. A rear garden and swimming pool are positioned above a tall cliff line which runs across the site. Arranged in an 'L' shape on the uppermost segment of the site, the main segment of the house cantilevers north into space over a cliff line. It was a requirement of the client to have a house built of materials with minimal maintenance and no outer paint. The higher pavilion contains living areas while the under contains bedrooms. The northern section is three stores containing living, master areas and garaging while to the south, there are children' bedrooms and space relating to the swimming pool. In response, the house is arranged in two pieces running west to east to follow the spontaneous shape of the sandstone outcrop on which the house sits. The southern or main section of the house contains the main living area, a protected courtyard, a garage and bedrooms below. Internally, a higher central section of space runs through the upper smooth living area. The higher roof line allows light into the living space while blocking out the view of a neighboring building. Decks unfold off all levels to take in the view, including an upper deck which is concealed behind the central roof form. External materials including fibro, corrugated iron, timber, tangible and split face block are all arranged to complement and breakdown the form of the building. Circulation space is minimal and positioned along the south side of the building to maximize the orientation of living areas to north and view. The response to these conditions was to retain the fore of the building which relates directly to its northern side semi, excavate for car parking and build up in a plain aluminum clad form screened to the south and cut by a series of light wells from the roof. Views at each last of the building are framed by enlarged openings. The high swimming pool aligns with the central circulation axis and cantilevers out towards the bay and trees. An additional glossy was created within the existing sub floor space of the house along with a new high swimming pool at the edge of a steep drop off running across the site. The steep topography, and excavation needed to create and access the fresh smooth provided many challenges. The living spaces and master bedroom are positioned to the north for sun and views to the Barbour to the north east. The upper living also opens to a roof deck over the rear piece of the house for views to the Barbour and city to the south.