Top Form Rising to the challenges of an inhospitable site delivered handsome rewards.
Thanks to brave owners and a forward-thinking architect, an incredible Sydney site now has the striking home it deserves.
On Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a series of sculptural zinc-clad structures cascade down a steep site overlooking the magnificent Pacific coastline. Given the fall of the land is about 30 degrees (equating to 17 metres), it’s not surprising that few had been brave enough to attempt replacing the existing fibro shack with a more sophisticated home – until now. Homeowners Anthony and Sybi, who live here with their sons Callum, now 18, and Hugo, four, briefed architect Andrew Donaldson to design a home that navigated the dramatic south-facing site, which included a number of massive sandstone boulders, a 3.5-metre cave and a 4.5-metre-high cliff. The residence had to be suitable for a family at different life stages, and flexible enough to accommodate entertaining, working from home, elderly parents and extended visits from relatives living overseas. Embracing the ocean view was a must, as was ample natural light, separate living areas and as much useable outdoor space as possible given the topography.
To make the most of the site, Andrew designed the home over four levels that step down the site. The lower three levels are connected by a gently graded and beautifully landscaped external stairway that weaves through the garden (there’s also a lift for less-mobile guests). The lowest level is the garage/workshop; part way along these stairs is the entrance to the first floor, which is dedicated to a self-contained guest suite.
“THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE MORE NATURAL LIGHT THERE IS AND THE MORE SPECTACULAR THE VIEWS.” Andrew Donaldson, architect
The main entrance, on the second floor, rises 12 metres from the street – the climb is certainly worth the effort. The oversize front door pivots to reveal a foyer that looks directly into an internal courtyard. Immediately to the right of the entrance is a beautifully detailed ‘pod’, a bespoke element made by Filip Janssens, that conceals a handy bag-drop area. Beyond the pod are a study, two bedrooms, the main bathroom and an internal stairwell connecting this level with the one above. Upstairs, there’s a serene main bedroom suite to the south and the deck, family room, outdoor living area, plunge pool and an expanse of level lawn to the north. “The higher you go, the more natural light there is and the more spectacular the views,” says Andrew.
To the left of the internal courtyard with weathered stone ‘feature wall’ is the open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with frameless windows for panoramic coastal views. “The idea was to bring the landscape inside to make the home feel at one with the environment,” says Andrew. Central to this open-plan zone is a dramatic 3.6-metre-long island bench which merges the kitchen with the dining zone. Taking its cues from a chopping block, the Corian-topped section of the island functions as prep space, while the timber extension serves as a meals area for six. “Living spaces tend to overlap, and the split design of the island is sort of a physical representation of that,” says Andrew. When eating alfresco is on the menu, there’s a setting for 10 in the adjacent internal courtyard.
A wall of recycled-blackbutt joinery creates a smooth transition from the kitchen to the living zone, plus gives the family all the storage
they could ever need. A day bed built into a nook between the window and the fireplace is the perfect spot for reading or just taking in the view. The space is simply furnished with plush sofas, an oversize upholstered ottoman and cushions, all in neutral tones so as not to distract from the naturally spectacular outlook.
The materials palette, too, is designed to feel secondary to the site. Outside, robust zinc cladding and off-form concrete suit the coastal climate and complement the texture and tones of the weathered stone. Inside, concrete reappears in the open-plan area flooring and in the colour of the soft furnishings throughout. It’s teamed with recycled blackbutt for warmth and lashings of white to boost the amount of light in every room. Glass is used judiciously to create sightlines through the home as well as to keep the occupants connected wherever they may be in the house.
Anthony and Sybi – and Andrew! – may have been brave to attempt a project of this size on such an inhospitable construction site, but all are definite that it was more than worth the effort. As well as meeting the brief in terms of function and flexibility, it’s a striking structure worthy of its location and eminently liveable too. > Andrew Donaldson Architecture & Design, Surry Hills, NSW; 0412 839 465 or andrewdonaldson.com.au. Mallinger Constructions,
Brookvale, NSW; mallinger.com.au. Emily Simpson Landscape
Architecture, Mona Vale, NSW; emilysimpsonlandscape.com.au.
“WE COULDN’T CAMOUFLAGE ALL OF THE STONE ON THE SITE, BUT WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO?” Andrew