Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney with distant views to Sydney Harbour, this irregular shaped site posed a significant challenge for architects MHN. Design Union.
With a narrow street frontage, a steep slope from front to rear, and sandstone rock shelves … it required a creative solution.
MHN. Design Union’s brief was to create a practical family home that captured the panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere with plenty of light and generous amenity.
The existing tennis court to the south was to be retained, and the associated tennis pavilion refurbished and altered.
The project was conceived as a group of two pavilions set around a central courtyard where the spaces can freely flow from inside to outside, permitting both pavilions access to eastern and northern light.
The house is set as closely as allowable to the western boundary, pulled away from the neighbouring property to the east for solar gain and greater views.
The narrow site entry was widened by cutting back the existing sandstone rock boulders to allow for a generous entry stair nestled alongside the rock face.
The wide cantilevered concrete treads follow the shape of the rock and lead up to the entry door.
The ground floor level accommodates a mix of formal and informal rooms on different levels and a large covered outdoor terrace beside the pool.
The first floor accommodates a parent’s retreat making the most of the northerly aspect and views, with the children’s bedrooms located on the top floor.
The existing tennis pavilion was retained as a guest house with a new level added to house a gym.
To emphasise the sense of seamless spaces the architectural material palette of dark metal, timber, stone and off-form concrete makes its way to the inside of the house with beautifully designed interiors.
MHN. Design Union’s client had a strong sense of style and a very good understanding of materiality, form and space.
The design process was a true collaboration between client, architect, and interior designer where every detail was discussed intensively and resulted in a beautifully finished home.
Project Details
Project Size – 940 m2
Completion Date – 2015
Building Levels – 3
Project Team
Architecture
MHN. Design Union
MHNDU represents the holistic union of principals Brian Meyerson, Kevin Ng, and Liam Hancock, who bring their creativity, experience and technical expertise to this contemporary practice.
Their collaborative approach, experience, strategic thinking, and use of advanced technologies combined with an energetic service-driven team, results in a legacy of quality design, and practical, enduring and sustainable buildings.
Interior Design
Lawless & Meyerson
Lawless & Meyerson specialises in creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.
Each commission is treated individually, collaborating with clients to ensure the project has meaning to it’s inhabitants and its surroundings, enriching their experience throughout the design and building process to completion.
The studio is involved in a variety of different types of projects both in Australia and abroad from private homes and villas, penthouse apartments and small scale multi-unit residential developments.
Based in Surry Hills, Lawless & Meyerson have a team of talented, creative designers who all share a passion for quality and detail in design.
Photography
Justin Alexander
Justin Alexander is an interiors and architectural photographer who works with prominent architects, interior designers, and design publications.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 MHN. Design Union. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Justin Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
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