Tree Of Life
Light, texture and scene-stealing vistas set a postcard-perfect scene in this stunning Sydney family home.
A home that more than makes the most of its steep site – and delivers on luxury too.
With panoramic ocean views, striking architectural detailing and impeccable interiors, this contemporary home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is undeniably a showstopper. For its owner Ellen, there’s another star attraction: a magnificent jacaranda at the entrance. “When my husband Matt and I bought the property in 2006, it had an old California bungalow that >
“IT’S RARE TO FIND SUCH SPACIOUS INTERNAL AREAS ON SITES AS STEEP AS THIS.” Mark Clark, architect
had been a local family’s muchloved home for many years,” says Ellen. “Like the previous owners, we adored the house for its position, but also for the jacaranda, which to me is the most beautiful thing about the property. It softens the front of the block and is very special to the whole street.”
Little wonder, then, that Ellen and Matt–parents to Grace, now 21, Emma, 20, and Will, 16 – expressed a strong desire to retain the tree when they engaged Corben Architects to undertake a major reinvention of the home. “We were very careful to make sure it was preserved,” says Ellen. “The builders did a really good job of that, and the architects did an amazing job of looking after our privacy while opening up the house and looking at how our family live. The living areas are predominantly open-plan now, so we can all come together but also have our own space.”
Cor ben Architects were the natural choice for the project as they had already planned a renovation with the previous owners. “We prepared the design drawings and obtained approval for the project in 2005,” says Mark Clark, director of Corben Architects. “Ellen and Matt followed up on those plans, which we then modified to suit their needs.
“The house is set on a steeply sloping 752-square-metre site with expansive views over the bay, but the layout of the bungalow was awkward and there was no direct connection to the outdoors,” Mark adds. “Its rear garden was completely overgrown and the only access was via a narrow set of stairs. Living areas were dark and undersized, and the best views from the home were obtained from a couple of small bedrooms built into the roof space. It required a major overhaul to make it more functional for contemporary family living.”
The once-humble bungalow wasn’t just finessed, it has been completely transformed into a luminous, wonderfully liveable sanctuary over four levels. “It’s basically a completely new house,” says Ellen.
On the uppermost level – which contains the living/ dining area, kitchen and a family room wrapped around a pool and alfresco zone – maximum enjoyment of the property’s harbour views has been enabled. The middle level is dedicated to the bedrooms, while the ground floor comprises a TV room, study, guest room and gym. The garage, generous storage and a wine cellar are located on the lower-ground floor (street level).
Throughout the home, huge picture windows optimise the beautiful sea vistas, bathing the home in rays of sunshine. “There’ s a wonderful amount of natural light that makes the home look bright and fresh,” says Mark. “The top floor is the highlight. It’s rare to find a home with such spacious internal living areas and outdoor entertaining spaces – including the swimming pool – all on one level on sites as steep as this.
“The project was not without its challenges,” Mark adds. “When you consider that we commenced the project for the previous owners in 2005, and finished it 11 years later, it took many years to come to fruition. But the greatest joy is seeing the completed home.”
When it came to the finishes, fixtures and furnishings, Ellen – who has a background in interior design – happily took charge. It proved a joyful task indeed for the mother of three, who drew inspiration from renowned Belgian arcihtect and interior designer Vincent van Duysen. “I was heavily swayed by his work,” says Ellen. “He likes to use a lot of beautiful warm timbers, but also a lot of white.” Certainly, walls painted Dulux Vivid White provide a crisp backdrop for a timeless palette of tactile oak, natural stone and concrete. Stylish but relaxed furnishings – some of which have been in Ellen and Matt’s family for many years – impart a luxe coastal vibe while telling a personal tale.
“It was absolutely my privilege to contribute to the creation of something my whole family loves,” says Ellen. “We built this as our very long-term house and we’re certainly in no hurry to leave,” she says with a smile. “It’s been quite a process, but it has all been well worth the time and effort.”
Corben Architects, Neutral Bay, NSW; (02) 9904 1844 or corben.com.au.
“WE BUILT THIS AS OUR VERY LONG-TERM HOUSE AND WE’RE CERTAINLY IN NO HURRY TO LEAVE.” Ellen, owner
WINE CELLAR The wine cellar, designed by Matt and Ellen, can accommodate up to 1100 bottles. Wine racks and temperature control unit, MacPhee’s. Engineered-timber cladding, European Timber Floors. Seating, MCM House. Calacatta marble bench and shelf, Harmony Stone Gallery. Tom Dixon decanter and glassware, Manyara Home. Lighting, Koda Lighting. FAMILY ROOM Avalon stone cladding, Surface Gallery. Coffee tables, Manyara Home. Jetmaster fireplace, Universal Fires. Artwork by Stefan Dunlop. Rug, Robyn Cosgrove. STREET FRONTAGE The beloved jacaranda tree is intrinsic to the home’s design. For Where to Buy, see page 192. #